At a news conference on Friday, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries repeatedly refused to say whether he has confidence in Schumer — a rare break for the two longtime New York colleagues. “We do not want to shut down the government. But we are not afraid of a government funding showdown,” Jeffries said.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer postponed events to promote his forthcoming book, citing security concerns as he faces backlash from Democratic voters over his decision to support a Republican measure to avert a government shutdown.

The highest-ranking Senate Democrat has come under fire for his vote to advance GOP funding bill.