Pennsylvania Senators John Fetterman (D) and Dave McCormick (R) issued a rare joint appeal to end the ongoing U.S. government shutdown, emphasizing that reopening the government must transcend party allegiances. They stressed that the enduring stalemate was not just a partisan battle but a crisis affecting everyday Americans, especially those in their home state of Pennsylvania.

The senators pointed out that the shutdown’s consequences are far-reaching: air traffic controllers, border agents, and other essential federal workers are facing uncertainty, while roughly 2 million Pennsylvanians depend on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits now at risk due to funding delays. Though both Fetterman and McCormick backed legislation aimed at keeping workers paid, their proposals failed to pass the Senate.

Despite the legislative impasse, their cooperation stands out as an example of bipartisanship amid deep Congressional gridlock. They jointly declared that voters expect their U.S. senators to prioritize service over partisan games, framing their collaboration as a fulfillment of that obligation. Fetterman remarked that his vote was “for our country over my party.”

While the immediate impact of their appeal remains uncertain, the symbolic significance of their alliance may shift public and political momentum. By placing constituent needs above party loyalty, Fetterman and McCormick offered a message of unity and urgency: Americans cannot wait while Washington remains stalled. Their joint statement urged Congress to act swiftly to restore government functions and honor their responsibility to the people.