Senate Democrats are slowing the Senate to a crawl as they escalate their fight over the GOP push to repeal and replace ObamaCare.

"As we’ve made clear to our Republican colleagues, if they continue to insist on ramming through a secret health care bill without any public input or debate, they shouldn’t expect business as usual in the Senate," Schumer said in a statement.

Democrats had threatened such a move on Monday, warning that they would disrupt Senate proceedings unless Republicans agreed to debate their healthcare bill in public and give it at least one committee hearing.

ADVERTISEMENT

"Before passing a massive bill that will affect the lives of every single American, there ought to be a rigorous and robust debate in committees and a full debate on the floor," Schumer said.

The Senate convened at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, meaning a slate of afternoon committee hearings will have to be cancelled because of the Democratic tactics.

Democrats can’t block a healthcare bill on their own, but are using the hardball tactics to retaliate for Republicans negotiating their legislation in a string of closed-door GOP-only meetings.

The move, they hope, will put Republicans on the defense as they look to force a vote as soon as next week, when lawmakers will leave for the July 4 recess.

Schumer's announcement quickly impacted a swath of Senate activity.

Tuesday's move comes after Democrats kept the Senate in session until shortly after midnight, protesting Republicans' closed-door negotiations.

Republicans are eyeing a vote on their healthcare bill, which is still being finalized, as soon as next week — before senators leave for the holiday recess. No Democrats are expected to support the repeal effort.