Senator John Fetterman (D-Pa.) appeared on Fox News’ Fox & Friends on Tuesday to discuss his vote to end the recent government shutdown, firmly stating that his decision prioritized the American people over party lines.
The Pennsylvania Democrat was one of eight senators from his party who voted with Republicans to advance the bill that would reopen the government. Sen. Fetterman explained his vote by criticizing his own party’s tactics.
“I think my party… crossed a line of now putting 42 million Americans with their SNAP benefits, and making flying less safe, and that kind of chaos, and not paying our military,” Fetterman said. “That was a red line for me that I can’t cross as a Democrat.”
He framed his decision as an act of principle, saying his approach has always been “country over the party.”
When asked about the deep divisions exposed within the Democratic Party, Fetterman emphasized that shutting down the government is simply “wrong,” and he refused to engage in political brinkmanship that harmed vulnerable Americans.
The Senator also confirmed that he had not received any direct outreach from Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) regarding his vote, despite reports that Schumer had privately cautioned moderate Democrats against “caving” to Republicans. Fetterman stated that everyone “understood” his position, as he had consistently maintained that it is “always a hard yes to keep our government open.”
Acknowledging that his moderate stance often puts him at odds with the left wing of his party, Fetterman stressed the need for a “big tent party.”
“My values are reflected in my vote and the things that I support here,” Fetterman concluded. “I have no regrets. I’ve been very proud of the votes that I’ve made since I’ve been here as a senator.”
The senator also used the appearance to discuss his recently released book, Unfettered.
READ: Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman Slams Shutdown Tactic As ‘Hostage-Taking’
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