Senator John Fetterman (D‑Pa.) sharply rebuked his own party’s handling of the ongoing government shutdown during an interview on Sunday Morning Futures. He warned that Democrats sending the message that they won’t negotiate is harmful to the country—“that’s the wrong message for the world, for Americans as well.” Fetterman insisted the shutdown must end before addressing other priorities like extending Obamacare tax credits, arguing that reopening the government is a prerequisite to tackling substantive issues.

Fetterman pointed out that he has opposed government shutdowns regardless of which party is in power. He recalled that earlier in the year he had committed to being the one senator to openly call them out: “It was wrong when Republicans did it … I’m going to be the one guy saying it is wrong to do this.” He insisted that policy debates over healthcare, subsidies, and other matters should come after government operations are restored.

In a notable bipartisan move, Fetterman joined Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto (D‑Nev.) and Sen. Angus King (I‑Maine) in voting for a Republican‑backed stopgap funding bill. That measure, however, failed to secure the 60 votes required to advance in the Senate, leaving the shutdown in place. Meanwhile, President Trump directed use of surplus Pentagon research and development funds to ensure active‑duty military personnel would receive paychecks during the lapse—a move aimed at insulating troops from the effects of the shutdown.