Veteran Democrats privately believed Chuck Schumer’s decision on the shutdown was inevitable. Others were ready for the top Senate Democrat to lead them into their first big battle against President Donald Trump — and instead have been left fuming.

Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer relented Thursday rather than risk a government shutdown, announcing he's ready to start the process of considering a Republican-led government funding bill that has fiercely divided Democrats under pressure to impose limits on the Trump administration.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) said he would support advancing the House-passed continuing resolution, but he also wants Washington, D.C.’s, local budget restored if cuts are made in the GOP stopgap.