Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman criticized his own party on Sunday over the ongoing government shutdown, arguing that Democrats are sending the “wrong message” by refusing to negotiate. During an appearance on Fox News’ Sunday Morning Futures, Fetterman told host Maria Bartiromo, “Shutting our government down—that’s the wrong message for the world, for Americans as well.” He emphasized the importance of ending the shutdown and focusing on the real issues affecting everyday Americans.
Fetterman reiterated his consistent opposition to government shutdowns, regardless of which party is in power. “It was wrong when Republicans did it,” he said, referencing his stance earlier this year. “I said then, when September comes, I’m going to be the one guy saying it is wrong to do this.” He stressed that while healthcare issues like extending Obamacare tax credits are important, they should be addressed only after reopening the government.
Breaking with much of his party, Fetterman joined Democratic Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto and Independent Sen. Angus King in voting for a Republican-backed stopgap funding bill. The bill, however, fell short of the 60 votes needed to advance in the Senate, leaving the government shutdown unresolved.
The federal government officially shut down on October 1 after Senate Democrats blocked GOP-led efforts to pass temporary funding. Republicans have labeled the impasse the “Schumer shutdown,” while Democrats continue to blame Republicans and former President Trump for tying budget negotiations to broader policy demands.
In response to the shutdown, Trump ordered Secretary of War Pete Hegseth to use all available funds to ensure U.S. military personnel are paid on time. With 1.3 million active-duty service members facing potential missed paychecks, Trump accused Democrats of holding the military “hostage” and vowed to prevent any disruption to troop compensation.
