Fetterman, Other Dems Break Ranks On Shutdown: ‘Sends Wrong Message’

Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman criticized his own party on Sunday over the ongoing government shutdown, saying Democrats are sending the “wrong message” through their handling of the budget impasse.

Speaking on Sunday Morning Futures, Fetterman emphasized that a shutdown harms both Americans and the country’s global image. He urged lawmakers to stop playing the blame game and focus on reopening the government while addressing key issues like healthcare.

Fetterman told Fox News that he will “never” support a government shutdown and criticized politicians unwilling to negotiate. He reiterated that Americans, particularly those caught in the middle, are the real losers during such stalemates.

He highlighted the importance of extending Obamacare tax credits, noting bipartisan agreement could be possible, but stressed the priority must be getting the government open so people can be paid and chaos avoided.

Since October 1, both parties have blamed each other for the shutdown. Republicans have dubbed it the “Schumer shutdown,” while Democrats insist on extending expiring Obamacare tax credits before passing a funding bill.

Democratic Senator Catherine Cortez Masto and Independent Senator Angus King joined Fetterman in supporting the Republican-backed stopgap funding bill, which still fell five votes short of the 60 needed for passage.

In response, former President Trump ordered Secretary of War Pete Hegseth to use “all available funds” to ensure active-duty troops are paid on October 15, criticizing Democrats for holding military paychecks “hostage” and urging them to reopen the government so broader issues, including healthcare, can be addressed.