Fetterman Clashes with ‘The View’ Host Over Government Shutdown Vote

NEW YORK CITY (VINnews) — Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) sharply rebuffed Sunny Hostin on ABC’s “The View” after the senator voted to reopen the federal government, rejecting her warning that healthcare costs for Pennsylvanians would “skyrocket.”

“I don’t need a lecture,” Fetterman said. “They are representing deep-blue populations and the extreme.”

The exchange came hours after Fetterman joined Republicans and a handful of Democrats to pass a continuing resolution ending a five-week partial shutdown. The measure averted deeper cuts to social programs but extended current funding levels only through March.

Hostin pressed Fetterman on the vote’s impact on his constituents, saying, “Your Pennsylvanians’ healthcare will skyrocket!”

Fetterman pushed back, framing the reopening as a broader victory for states like Pennsylvania. “The big win is involving my state, and other states,” he said. “Why have we arrived here? We wanna forget what cost us 2024?”

Turning to the human toll, Fetterman added, “This shutdown is not a political game. 42 million Americans not sure where the next meal is gonna come from. People not paid for 5 weeks. Because we voted like that.”

The shutdown, triggered by a Democratic filibuster over spending levels, had halted paychecks for federal workers and disrupted nutrition assistance programs. Fetterman’s vote drew immediate backlash from progressive groups but praise from moderates in both parties.

The senator, appearing remotely from Pennsylvania, did not take further questions from the panel.