Cotton has 0 power or leverage to contribute to the conversation. The *real* negotiation is between Dem's and the min amount of 'border security' they will need to add to DA to get the minimum number of republicans to establish a veto proof vote. As is, R's know that gov will shutdown, but there are enough R's willing to negotiate DA to prevent the shutdown than there are that want the shutdown. Dem's hold all the cards, they just have to not fold before the end of the year.