Fetterman Responds to Newsom’s Criticism Over Government Shutdown Vote

Pennsylvania’s Democratic Senator, John Fetterman, has pushed back against California Governor Gavin Newsom’s criticism regarding his decision to support a deal that aims to end the government shutdown. Fetterman stated he won’t “play with” the lives of Americans, suggesting that Newsom’s opinion doesn’t weigh heavily on him.

Newsom, along with several other Democrats, criticized Fetterman and seven other Senate Democrats for their votes favoring an agreement that would prevent a government shutdown and ensure funding through January. He described the Senate’s actions as a moment of “surrender and betrayal of workers” in a post on social media, emphasizing that the American public deserves stronger leadership.

On a podcast with Bari Weiss, Fetterman dismissed Newsom’s remarks, making it clear he prioritizes the needs of his constituents in Pennsylvania. “I really don’t think about what Governor Newsom is thinking,” he said, emphasizing that he cannot explain to millions of Pennsylvanians why they might lose vital benefits like SNAP. “I’m not going to play chicken for people,” he added.

Fetterman’s actions have drawn criticism from his party, as he has consistently supported measures to end the shutdown, despite some initial backing for a “clean” resolution in September. He has expressed no regrets about his stance, asserting that even Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has faced backlash over the ongoing situation, despite his support for the shutdown.

As for the Senate agreement, it passed with a 60-40 vote—sufficient to overcome a filibuster—and is now set to move to the House of Representatives for final consideration.