I have been digging on this. finally fund the answer. shutdown is not recess so no appointments can be made. There is something we are overlooking about a shutdown though . It doesn't make sense that dems would fear it so much. Schumer caved after a meeting with POTUS last time and it required a stop at the bathroom before he left the WH. It can't only be about backlash from the public. Dems would still blame repubs and vise versa. Has to be more to it. POTUS has the power to decide what is deemed necessary to keep open. Special Counsel stays working , all Judges stay working ( some civil cases would be put on hold)