Senator John Fetterman (D-Pa.) has expressed urgency for an end to the ongoing federal government shutdown, which has now reached its 21st day. In a recent statement to reporters, he indicated a willingness to support a Republican initiative to eliminate the Senate filibuster, allowing for a straightforward majority vote on funding measures. His remarks reflect significant concern over the impact the shutdown is having on essential services, particularly the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
Fetterman highlighted the dire situation for many Americans who rely on SNAP, stating, “There are no winners here. It’s not getting better every day. People are going to start to get really hungry.” He pointed out that the program is running out of funds, which exacerbates the challenges faced by vulnerable populations. The senator also noted that U.S. Capitol Police, among other federal employees, are not receiving their paychecks during this crisis.
When questioned about whether he would support the idea of “nuking” the filibuster to expedite the passage of a House-approved funding measure, Fetterman responded affirmatively. “Carve it out for that, absolutely,” he stated, reinforcing his commitment to ending the shutdown. He emphasized that many Democrats had previously campaigned on the necessity of reforming or eliminating the filibuster, and he believes that making this change could prevent similar shutdowns in the future.
As he conveyed his frustration, Fetterman likened the current political climate to the film “Groundhog Day,” indicating a sense of repetition and absurdity in the ongoing situation. “It’s ‘Groundhog Day’ and it’s not entertaining. That’s a great movie, but this is embarrassing,” he remarked.
Fetterman’s comments underscore a growing sentiment among lawmakers that immediate action is needed to restore government functions. His willingness to embrace a significant procedural change highlights the urgency felt by many as the shutdown continues to affect millions of Americans. The senator’s statements were reported by The Hill.
As the situation develops, it remains to be seen how congressional leaders will respond to these calls for action. The pressure to resolve the impasse is mounting, with increasing public concern about the implications of prolonged government inactivity.
