Senator John Fetterman dismissed criticism from fellow Democrats over his support for a deal to end the government shutdown. Specifically, from Senator Bernie Sanders, who called the deal a "disaster," and California Gov. Gavin Newsom, who said the eight senators who supported the deal are not alarmed enough about President Donald Trump.
Speaking on The View, Fetterman was challenged for his decision and asked why he brought a "butter knife to a gun fight."
"I don't need a lecture from Bernie or the governor in California because they are representing very deep blue populations. A lot of those things were part of the extreme. I remember what really is needed for the big win. It is involving my state and other states," Fetterman said.
Earlier this week he also defended the decision, saying he is "putting country over party." "Feed everyone. Pay our military, government workers, and Capitol Police. End the chaos in airports," Fetterman added in a social media publication along with fellow Pennsylvania Senator Dave McCormick, who also supported the agreement.
The deal reached does not include an extension of expiring Affordable Care Act subsidies, a major concession from Democrats to end the shutdown. Should the funds lapse, insurance premiums for millions of people would raise. Democrats settled for a promise that a bill on the matter by the second week of December. Its outcome is already uncertain, with House Speaker Mike Johnson saying he wouldn't promise the vote will take place
Several other Democrats have come out to slam the deal. Sen. Chris Murphy warned his colleagues they were making a mistake: "This bill doesn't do anything to arrest the health care catastrophe, nor does it constrain in any meaningful way President Trump's illegality," he said.
Sen. Ruben Gallego criticized his colleagues as well. "I will not turn my back on the 24 million Americans who will see their premiums more than double if we don't extend these tax credits," Gallego said, according to another NBC News report.
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