Fetterman Blasts Schumer Over Prolonged Government Shutdown, Urges Democrats to Reopen Amid SNAP Fears

WASHINGTON D.C (VINnews) — Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., unleashed sharp criticism against Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and his fellow Democrats on Tuesday, demanding an immediate end to the federal government shutdown that has stretched into its 35th day — the longest since 1981.

In a series of pointed remarks during a CNN interview and a NewsNation town hall, Fetterman expressed frustration over the impasse, which has left hundreds of thousands of federal workers unpaid and threatened funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, affecting 42 million low-income Americans.

“We’ve reached the point — it really has to end,” Fetterman said, echoing sentiments from his recent public statements. He slammed the Democratic leadership’s strategy, accusing them of prioritizing political leverage over the needs of constituents. “Everyone deserves to get paid! And we want everyone to get fed. We’re sending the wrong message at this point,” he added, emphasizing the human cost of the stalemate.

The shutdown, dubbed the “Schumer Shutdown” by critics, stems from a partisan divide over a stopgap spending bill. Republicans passed a House measure to fund the government through Nov. 21, but Senate Democrats have blocked it, insisting on additional provisions like extending Obamacare subsidies and addressing other priorities. Fetterman, who voted with Republicans on a related defense spending bill, called the approach “an absolute failure” and apologized to the public for his party’s inability to “get our sh*t together.”

“This isn’t some sh**ty game show about who’s winning,” Fetterman said, directly rebuking Schumer’s earlier comment that “every day gets better for us” politically.f4eaa6 Responding to the New York Democrat’s optimism, Fetterman quipped, “Ask the hungry people on Saturday,” highlighting delays in SNAP benefits that could leave families without food assistance this weekend.

Fetterman’s outspoken dissent marks a growing rift within Democratic ranks as the shutdown drags on. He has previously warned that prolonging the closure plays into the hands of President Donald Trump and emboldens efforts to overhaul federal agencies. “Shutting down the government is really what the Democratic Party wants to do,” Fetterman said in the NewsNation forum, adding that he refuses to vote for measures that harm the country during a “period of chaos.”

The Pennsylvania senator’s wife, Gisele Fetterman, who helps distribute free food in their community, has reported longer lines at pantries, underscoring the real-world impact. Fetterman questioned why Congress couldn’t prioritize funding for essential workers, like Capitol Police officers, while debating broader policy.

Senate Democrats, including Schumer, have maintained that the shutdown is a Republican tactic to slash social programs and fund priorities like border security. However, Fetterman’s comments have amplified calls for compromise, with some analysts suggesting the party may be nearing a breaking point ahead of midterm pressures.

The Senate is expected to vote on a funding resolution as early as Wednesday, but delays could push the crisis further. As one of the few Democrats breaking ranks, Fetterman’s plea highlights the mounting urgency: “I feel like the Democrats really need to own the shutdown.”