Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., has become a prominent voice in the ongoing government shutdown debate, breaking with his Democratic colleagues as he calls for an end to the political stalemate. Speaking on ‘Hannity’ on Wednesday, Fetterman emphasized his commitment to putting the country first, even if it means defying his own party. He stated, “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.” Despite being one of only two Democrats advocating for the government to stay open, Fetterman has remained vocal about the human cost of the shutdown.
The 22-day-long government shutdown has already created significant strain on everyday Americans, with critical programs like SNAP facing potential suspension. Fetterman highlighted the impact on millions of Pennsylvanians and 42 million Americans nationwide who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for food security. “I refuse to vote to suspend SNAP for millions of Pennsylvanians in my state and across the entire nation,” he said, underscoring his opposition to any measures that could exacerbate food insecurity. The senator also criticized the rhetoric within his party as “extreme,” referring to recent comparisons of former President Donald Trump to figures like Hitler, which he argued could embolden further divisiveness.
Fetterman warned that this kind of language is leading the nation astray, stating, “We’ve lost the plot.” He called for a return to political decency and cooperation, urging both parties to work together for the common good. “It’s just basic humanity and we’re forgetting that we all need each other,” he concluded. Fetterman’s stance reflects the growing tension within the Democratic Party as the shutdown continues, with some lawmakers willing to take a principled stand against their own party’s majority. His comments also highlight the broader implications of the shutdown, as millions of Americans face uncertainty over essential services and programs.