Senator John Fetterman (D-Pa.) recently made waves by announcing that he would support a House-passed funding bill aimed at preventing a government shutdown. Despite backlash from the far-left wing of his party, particularly Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), Fetterman remains unapologetic and unbothered by their criticism.
Ocasio-Cortez and other liberal lawmakers have been vocal in their opposition to the bill, urging Senate Democrats to block it. They argue that advancing the measure would undermine the party’s priorities, calling it a betrayal of the Democratic values many in the House have worked to defend. However, Fetterman dismissed their criticisms, emphasizing that they have no realistic plan for preventing a government shutdown or its devastating consequences.
In a blunt response, Fetterman pointed out the hypocrisy of House liberals, noting that while Congress members would continue receiving paychecks during a shutdown, thousands of federal workers would be furloughed without pay. These workers would face financial hardship, potentially lasting for weeks. “What about the millions of Americans whose lives will be damaged?” Fetterman asked. “What about those who won’t get a paycheck? She’ll still get hers,” he added, referring to Ocasio-Cortez’s position.
Fetterman also made a bold statement, suggesting that if the goal is to bring about a shutdown, liberals in Congress should consider that they have the power to make it happen, a power far beyond that of President Trump or billionaire Elon Musk. While Ocasio-Cortez expressed outrage at Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer’s decision to support the bill, Fetterman stood firm, arguing that a government shutdown would hurt far more Americans than passing the bill to keep the government funded.
“Whatever her views, I’m going to sleep just fine,” Fetterman said, reaffirming his commitment to doing what he believes is right for the country and its citizens.