Fetterman Opposes Government Shutdown Over Immigration Funding Bill

Senator John Fetterman from Pennsylvania expressed his concerns about the potential for another government shutdown. He voiced this during an appearance on “Hannity,” highlighting the disagreement among Democrats over funding immigration agencies, specifically ICE.

Fetterman, known for his independent stance, stated, “If Democrats vote for a shutdown, all of our service members will never be paid again. I can never support that.” He emphasized that his opposition is rooted in the aftermath of a previous shutdown that concluded in November.

“At least I remain one of the Democrats who refuses to shut down the government,” he added, noting that such an action would lead to military pay disruptions. The senator acknowledged that recent events, including the fatal shooting of Alex Preti by a federal officer, have intensified discussions among Senate Democrats regarding the funding bill.

Fetterman expressed sorrow over the loss of Preti and another individual, Renee Good, stating, “We lost two American citizens, and I don’t think anyone in the United States would want that to happen.” He rejected the idea that these tragic deaths should justify a government shutdown, arguing that it would only worsen national conditions.

He advocated for a broader conversation about reforming immigration enforcement and ICE operations, aiming for “common sense reforms” that would make processes safer and more humane. He firmly stated that he does not support defunding or abolishing ICE, reinforcing his position on federal agency funding.

While criticizing ICE’s current practices in Minneapolis, he called for immediate deportation of criminals in the country. “As a pro-immigration Democrat, I believe we need to develop a path to citizenship for the very hard-working immigrants in the middle of this world,” he concluded.