Fetterman Throws Democrats Under Bus Over Ongoing Govt. Shutdown
Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) is breaking with members of his own party as the government shutdown stretches into its fourth week, declaring that he is prepared to “pay a price” for putting the country ahead of politics. In an appearance on Hannity Wednesday night, Fetterman reaffirmed his commitment to bipartisan problem-solving, saying, “I am always going to vote country over my party, and if I pay a price within my base, that’s something I am willing to do.”
The Pennsylvania senator has emerged as one of the few Democratic voices urging immediate action to reopen the government. He emphasized that his focus is on maintaining funding for essential services, including the U.S. military and Capitol Police, rather than continuing partisan gridlock. “I’m not afraid to tell my truth and if I’m going to pay a penalty, I’m not afraid of that,” Fetterman said. “It’s wrong to shut our government down.”
The ongoing stalemate has already begun to affect major federal programs. Fetterman highlighted the looming threat to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which helps more than 42 million low-income Americans purchase food. “I refuse to vote to suspend SNAP for millions of Pennsylvanians in my state and across the entire nation,” he insisted.
The senator warned that the program could face temporary suspension if the shutdown continues, deepening food insecurity across the country. “That’s going to be suspended because our government is shut down,” he said. “I can’t ever vote for that kind of mass food insecurity.”
Fetterman has consistently described the 22-day shutdown as a “failure” and urged both parties to set aside political posturing in favor of practical governance. His willingness to publicly challenge Democratic leadership signals growing frustration among moderate lawmakers eager to restore government operations.