Fetterman Critiques Schumer Over Government Shutdown
Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman criticized New York Senator Chuck Schumer during a social media interview, labeling the government’s partial shutdown as a “total failure.”
The shutdown began at 12:01 a.m. ET on October 1, following the House’s passage of a short-term funding bill on September 19. The Senate was unable to pass a continuing resolution, lacking the 60 votes necessary to counter the Democratic filibuster. CNN’s Manu Raju questioned Fetterman regarding Schumer’s claim that the shutdown could favor Democrats politically.
“Well, just ask the people who went hungry on Saturday. You know, that’s the thing… Americans don’t have the power,” Fetterman remarked. “This situation is different. It’s not some game show about winning. We must acknowledge this issue, and I’ve spoken with many Republicans who agree that extending these tax credits is crucial.”
Earlier in their discussion, Fetterman highlighted the work of his wife, Gisele, who runs a community store providing food to those in need.
“I see this firsthand. My wife runs a free store and distributes food three times a week. The lines are already long, and starting Saturday, she’s going to face people who won’t receive SNAP benefits, and they’re overlooked,” Fetterman explained. “I can only express my sorrow. This situation is a complete failure, and what happened last month will have lasting effects. Imagine being a parent with several kids, trying to fill the fridge and pack lunches when the support you rely on has vanished simply because we can’t agree to address the issue.”
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as food stamps, aids around 42 million Americans. Without a continuing resolution, SNAP benefits will be halted on November 1.
“Democrats, if you can’t release this, it suggests our party has bigger issues than I realized. It’s straightforward: ‘Pay everyone,’” Fetterman stated. “Workers are being forced to borrow over a third of a billion dollars just to meet their bills. This is a failure. I apologize to our viewers that we can’t even organize ourselves to reopen the government.”
