Senator John Fetterman from Pennsylvania expressed frustration over a recent decision by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer. Schumer insisted that a clerk read President Donald Trump’s proposed legislation, dubbed the One Big, Beautiful Bill, in its entirety on the Senate floor. This move, aimed at ensuring transparency about the bill’s contents, has sparked discontent within the Democratic Party.
On Saturday, Schumer stated, “I will object to Republicans moving forward on their Big, Ugly Bill without reading it on the Senate floor. Republicans won’t tell America what’s in the bill. So Democrats are forcing it to be read start to finish on the floor. We will be here all night if that’s what it takes to read it.”
Fetterman, however, was not pleased with this approach. He sarcastically remarked, “It’s not like it’s pathetic to force the clerk to read it or anything.” His frustration grew as the reading delayed his family vacation, which he was eager to return to. Speaking to reporters, he lamented, “Oh my God, I just want to go home. I’ve already missed our entire trip to the beach, my family’s going to be back before we do … I’m going to vote no.” He anticipated the voting outcome, suggesting that the only uncertain votes would be from senators like Susan Collins and Ron Johnson.
Critics quickly responded to Fetterman’s comments, arguing that his focus on a family trip showed a lack of commitment to his responsibilities as a senator. Senator Mark Kelly from Arizona voiced his disagreement, saying, “There is always dignity in fighting for the American people. We should be here fighting for the American people. I don’t care if it takes a month.”
Despite the backlash, Fetterman’s view that the final vote will hinge on a few key senators may hold some truth. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how this will impact the fate of the One Big, Beautiful Bill.