Unlikely Senate Duo Crosses The Aisle To Help End Government Shutdown

While it’s true the modern political climate in the United States is heavily divided along party lines, Pennsylvania Senators Dave McCormick (R) and John Fetterman (D) have been bucking the trend by providing an encouraging example of bipartisanship.The two senators recently released a video urging an end to the government shutdown, which is beginning to take a toll on average Americans. The collaboration features Fetterman saying, “Even though we are in a different party, we both want to talk about why we believe it’s so important to reopen this government.”

McCormick shares this sentiment in the video by saying, “23 days, 12 votes, Senator Fetterman and I have both voted to open up the government. We agree on that 100%. It’s really starting to hurt Pennsylvania.”

Some of the folks who are now beginning to feel the pinch from the shutdown include air traffic controllers and border patrol agents who are working to secure the border and keep the country safe. Resources set aside for two million SNAP users are starting to run low, which means those who use the service to support their families during tough economic times could go without the resources they need to get by.

By acknowledging this reality, both senators are demonstrating a commitment that goes beyond party allegiance and addresses their constituents’ concerns and needs.

Both senators have also been deeply involved in efforts to pass bills that would alleviate the suffering caused by the shutdown. They voted in favor of a measure to pay certain federal workers during the deadlock. Unfortunately, these measures did not pass in the Senate.

Many are hoping that the bipartisanship on display between McCormick and Fetterman will rub off on others in the Senate and help heal some of the division that is ripping the country apart and preventing an agreement that will get the government up and running.

Conservatives and even a handful of Democrats are hopeful that seeing these two work together for the betterment of their constituents will lead others to see that collaboration between individuals with different political ideologies is possible when politicians, elected to represent the people, put the needs of others above their own.

While there are many different areas of disagreement between Republicans and Democrats concerning the shutdown, providing healthcare for illegal aliens is one of the biggest hurdles to cross. President Donald Trump has made it clear he will not compromise on this issue.