The Left is losing voters. But it’s also losing its own politicians.
And now this Democrat Senator betrayed his party so he can put Americans first.
Historic Government Shutdown Drags On Over Healthcare Standoff
The ongoing U.S. government shutdown, now one of the longest in history, continues to paralyze Washington as Democrats and Republicans remain at odds over healthcare funding. The impasse has left federal workers unpaid and nonessential services halted, with no resolution in sight.
A Maverick Democrat Breaks Ranks
Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., has emerged as a rare voice of dissent within his party, crossing the aisle to vote with Republicans in favor of a bill to reopen the government. In a bold move, he’s now calling on his fellow Democrats to prioritize national interest over party loyalty.
“It’s an easy, easy choice to pick my country over the party, especially in circumstances like this,” Fetterman declared on Saturday in America.
Despite his efforts, a Republican-led Senate bill to fund certain federal workers during the shutdown fell short on Thursday, garnering only 54 votes against the 60 needed. Fetterman was one of just three Democrats to support the measure, highlighting the deep partisan divide.
Democrats are holding firm, refusing to back any funding proposal that doesn’t extend enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies, set to expire in 2025.
They warn that inaction before the November open enrollment could spike premiums for millions. Republicans, however, insist that reopening the government must come first before any negotiations can proceed.
“I do believe that there’s a critical mass of my fellow Democrats that are dug in until there’s an absolute ironclad kind of a deal,” Fetterman noted, acknowledging his party’s stance.
Yet, he remains optimistic about bipartisan cooperation, praising Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., as an “honorable guy” and expressing hope that healthcare talks will gain traction once the government reopens.
“Let’s just open it up,” Fetterman urged. “Then we can have that conversation to see if we can extend those tax credit deals, because I do believe there are enough Republicans that would like to see that too.”
Federal Workers and Families Bear the Brunt
Since the shutdown began on October 1, nonessential federal offices have been shuttered, and hundreds of thousands of workers have gone without pay. Now in its fourth week, the crisis has left many federal employees missing their first full paycheck, amplifying the human toll.
Fetterman has emphasized the shutdown’s devastating impact on federal nutrition programs, a key concern driving his push for compromise. He argues that the political stalemate serves no one, with the entire nation suffering as a result.
“It’s like, ‘Are we winning? Are we losing?’” Fetterman said. “Because I guarantee America is losing in this place right now.”
