Schumer came under fierce criticism in March for helping to advance a shutdown-avoiding spending bill written solely by Republicans. He warned at the time that a shutdown would only empower Trump and that the dynamic would be different come September as, he predicted, Trump became more unpopular. Nine other members of his caucus joined him.

The U.S. Senate began its month‑long recess Saturday night amid negotiations to advance the nomination of dozens of President Donald Trump's pending nominees.

Without a deal in hand, Republicans say they may try to change Senate rules when they return in September to speed up the pace of confirmations.