Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) is calling on his Republican colleagues to consider invoking the “nuclear option” to eliminate the filibuster for spending bills, a move he believes is necessary to reopen the federal government. His remarks come in the wake of ongoing debates over government funding, which he argues are harming everyday Americans.
During a press conference on Tuesday, Fetterman expressed his grave concerns about the repercussions of the government’s shutdown, emphasizing the urgent need for action. “There are no winners here. It’s not getting better every day. People are going to start to get really hungry, and I’ve been fully committed to funding SNAP [Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program] to open up the government,” he stated. He urged lawmakers to prioritize the needs of the people, declaring, “This is just bad political theater. Open it up.”
Fetterman voiced strong support for the Republicans’ potential decision to eliminate the filibuster, which requires a supermajority of 60 votes to end debates on legislation. “Carve it out for that, absolutely,” he said, reflecting on how his party previously campaigned on the need for filibuster reforms. “We ran on killing the filibuster and now we love it. I support it because it makes it more difficult to shut the government down in the future, and that’s where it’s entirely appropriate,” he added.
He dismissed any reluctance within the Democratic Party about this approach, saying, “I don’t want to hear any Democrat clutching their pearls about the filibuster. We all ran on it.”
Historically, the Democratic caucus has shown a willingness to alter filibuster rules, illustrated by their 2022 attempt to pass former President Joe Biden’s elections overhaul, which ultimately failed due to the filibuster. This ongoing dialogue about legislative reform and the future of the filibuster underscores Fetterman’s ongoing willingness to challenge party norms and push for bipartisan solutions to critical issues.
Fetterman’s advocacy demonstrates a commitment to swift action in support of struggling constituents amidst a challenging political landscape. His remarks highlight the potential for legislative change and a focus on prioritizing practical governance over partisan gridlock.