Schumer relented one day after he vowed Senate Democrats would thwart the "partisan" measure, saying the "chaos" of a government shutdown would be a worse option.

"I believe it is my job to make the best choice for the country to minimize the harms to the American people. Therefore I will vote to keep the government open and not shut it down." Schumer's announcement significantly increases the chances that enough Democratic senators will side with Republicans to avoid a government shutdown,

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.