Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) criticized his own party over the ongoing government shutdown, saying Democrats are sending the “wrong message” by refusing to negotiate. Appearing on Fox News Sunday, Fetterman said, “Shutting our government down is wrong—for the world and for Americans,” urging to reopen the government before tackling other issues.
Breaking with most Democrats, Fetterman joined Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) and Sen. Angus King (I-ME) in supporting a Republican stopgap funding bill, which failed to reach the 60 votes needed. The shutdown began October 1 after Senate Democrats blocked GOP-led temporary funding efforts. Republicans have dubbed it the “Schumer shutdown,” while Democrats blame the GOP and former President Trump—who has ordered military pay to continue despite the budget impasse.