Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) is facing growing backlash from fellow Democrats after expressing frustration over the Senate’s lengthy voting process on President Donald Trump’s “Big, Beautiful Bill.” Despite ultimately voting against the legislation, Fetterman’s off-the-cuff remarks about missing vacation time didn’t sit well with some in his own party.
Fetterman: “I Just Want to Go Home”
As senators returned to Washington for a series of procedural votes and amendments, Fetterman made headlines Monday morning when he complained to reporters:
“Oh my God, I just want to go home. I’ve already… I’ve missed our entire trip to the beach,” he said, adding that his family would have returned by the time votes wrapped up.
Despite acknowledging there was “no drama” in the outcome—predicting the bill would pass regardless—Fetterman criticized the extended hours, saying:
“I don’t think it’s really helpful to put people here until some ungodly hour.”
The comments came as the Senate launched into a legislative marathon, voting on amendments to the 940-page bill, which had been released just before midnight Friday. Lawmakers were summoned back on Saturday for a late-night procedural vote and returned Monday morning with no clear end in sight.
Democrats Push Back: “You Should Want to Be Here”
Fetterman’s remarks sparked sharp criticism, even from Democrats in his home state.
Rep. Brendan Boyle (D-PA) rebuked Fetterman in an interview with The Bulwark, saying:
“If you are here, you are damned lucky and privileged to be here. You should want to be here, and if you don’t want to be here, leave.”
Boyle emphasized the stakes of the legislation—despite its Republican origins—and told reporters he had explained the gravity of the situation to his 11-year-old daughter:
“This week will determine whether or not millions and millions of Americans get to keep their health care… She’s only 11. She got that.”
Boyle added that senators should treat this moment with the seriousness it deserves:
“There is no place I would rather be than right here, right now… That should be the attitude, frankly, of every Democratic member of the House and Senate.”
Fetterman’s Independent Streak Draws Mixed Reactions
Senator Fetterman, who has become known for bucking the Democratic line on multiple issues, has increasingly found himself at odds with his party leadership.
Interestingly, President Trump himself praised Fetterman last week, calling him “the most sensible Democrat in the Senate,” despite Fetterman voting against the bill.
The praise has done little to shield the Pennsylvania senator from criticism, as many Democrats worry his comments play into GOP narratives.
Why the Senate Stayed So Late
While Fetterman and others lamented the extended sessions, much of the delay stemmed from procedural moves initiated by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY).
Schumer forced the chamber to read the entire 940-page bill aloud, and also raised a point of order that resulted in the removal of the bill’s Trump-inspired title: the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.”
The objection, made on the Senate floor, targeted the title as a violation of the 1974 Congressional Budget Act, specifically the Byrd Rule, which restricts certain types of content in reconciliation bills.
Presiding officer Sen. Pete Ricketts (R-NE) upheld Schumer’s point, and the title was officially struck from the legislation.
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