Fetterman Backs GOP Move to Override Filibuster, Reopen Government

Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman has expressed support for Republicans using the "nuclear option" to override the Senate filibuster and pass a bill to reopen the government. As the shutdown enters its third week, Fetterman emphasized the urgency of the situation, particularly highlighting the strain on the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which is running out of funds. "People need to eat," he told reporters, stressing that the ongoing shutdown is affecting essential services, including the pay of U.S. Capitol Police officers.

Fetterman, a Democrat, is open to creating a carve-out in the 60-vote threshold required to pass legislation in the Senate. He stated, "Carve it out for that, absolutely," referring to the proposal to allow a simple-majority vote to pass the funding measure. According to The Hill, he added, "We ran on killing the filibuster, and now we love it. Carve it out so we can move on."

The government shutdown has persisted for 21 days, with the Senate failing to pass a vote to reopen the government multiple times. Fetterman was one of three Democrats who previously voted with Republicans to pass a Continuing Resolution before the shutdown began. As reported by The National Desk, he emphasized that the shutdown is "bad political theater" and urged for a resolution.

The potential move to override the filibuster is expected to face opposition from some Democrats who have historically defended the measure. However, Fetterman argues that eliminating the filibuster for this specific issue would make future government shutdowns more difficult, which he sees as beneficial.