Republicans believe they have the political upper hand, pointing to Schumer’s own past warnings against shutdowns. “What we’re seeing today from the Minority Leader is exactly what he once condemned,” Sen. John Barrasso of Wyoming, the No. 2 Senate Republican, said on the floor before the vote. “He is holding the American people hostage.”

Republicans torpedo Senate Democrats' continuing resolution filled with partisan priorities, including extended healthcare subsidies and restored public broadcasting funds.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer made a major calculation in March: He voted to keep the government open and convinced enough Democrats to go along with him – and endured furious blowback from the left.