Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) offered a scathing critique of the government shutdown tactic on the Monday edition of Fox News’ Hannity, describing it as holding the government “as a hostage” and prioritizing his vote to keep the government open as a matter of “country over party.”
Senator Fetterman detailed the widespread and painful impact of the political stalemate, emphasizing the “chaos and trauma” inflicted upon the nation and stating that such a strategy was always wrong.
The Pennsylvania Democrat highlighted several specific groups suffering direct consequences of the funding lapse, pointing out the suspension of SNAP benefits for 42 million Americans.
Beyond vulnerable citizens, he noted that military personnel were not getting paid, nor were government workers—including those in the Senate chambers—who had gone without pay for five weeks.
Furthermore, Fetterman stressed the public safety implications, specifically mentioning that Capitol Police and air traffic controllers were unpaid, a situation he said “made flying less safe.”
The Senator stated that he had voted for the 16th time to keep the government open, asserting his approach of “playing balls and strikes” rather than engaging in political maneuvering. “For me, I can’t ever support that kind of tactic to hold our government as a hostage,” he said.
Fetterman acknowledged that his willingness to vote against a funding impasse placed him at odds with some within his own caucus, but he stressed that his focus remains on what he considers the “appropriate kinds of values” and votes that put the nation first.
READ: Louisiana Sen. Kennedy Rips Schumer For “Intergalactic Freak Show Shutdown”
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