NOTE: VIDEO AT THE END OF ARTICLE
Fetterman Complains About Senate Voting Marathon
Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman expressed frustration Monday morning as he endured a marathon series of votes on President Trump’s massive legislative package known as the “big, beautiful bill.” The freshman senator lamented that the grueling process was cutting into his beach vacation plans.
“Oh my God, I just want to go home. I’ve already … I’ve missed our entire trip to the beach,” Fetterman told reporters. He added that by the time he finished voting, his family would likely have returned from their getaway.
“There’s no drama,” he said, noting the only interesting votes would be close calls between a few GOP holdouts. Despite his complaints, Fetterman voted no on the bill.
Late Nights and Long Hours in the Senate
The Senate began voting shortly after 9:30 a.m. EDT Monday on dozens of procedural motions and amendments. The voting was expected to last late into the night or even early Tuesday morning.
Lawmakers from both parties were eager to leave Washington after a delayed start to the weeklong July Fourth recess. The delay was to finalize this major legislation, which weighed in at 940 pages.
Senators had to stay up late reading the revised bill, which was released just minutes before midnight on Friday. They also showed up on Saturday to finish preliminary votes well past 11 p.m.
Democratic Colleague Fires Back at Fetterman
Rep. Brendan Boyle, a Democrat from Fetterman’s home state, criticized the junior senator’s remarks. “If you are here, you are damned lucky and privileged to be here,” Boyle told The Bulwark. “You should want to be here, and if you don’t want to be here, leave.”
Boyle said his young daughter understood the stakes. “This week will determine whether millions of Americans get to keep their health care. She’s only 11, and she gets that.”
Boyle praised the importance of the bill and promised to do “whatever it takes” to stop it if he opposed it. He insisted that every Democrat in Congress should have that same attitude.
Fetterman’s Party Leaders Responsible for Long Delays
Ironically, Fetterman’s own party leadership played a major role in extending the session. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer forced a name change on the bill and demanded the entire 940-page measure be read aloud on the Senate floor.
Schumer also raised a procedural objection to the bill’s original title, calling it a violation of the Congressional Budget Act. The objection succeeded, forcing the Senate to rename the bill before final passage.
Fetterman’s Position Puts Him at Odds With Democrats and Trump
Fetterman’s reluctance and public complaints come amid growing criticism from Democrats who accuse him of breaking with party lines. Yet President Trump called Fetterman “the most sensible” Democratic senator last week, despite his vote against the bill.
The unfolding political drama highlights the tightrope many Democrats walk — balancing constituent frustrations, party expectations, and high-profile national issues.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u0I6wC5OwKc
Sarah Mitchell is a bestselling novelist recognized for her insightful and emotionally resonant stories that explore the complexities of human relationships. Originally from Denver, Colorado, Sarah grew up in a family of teachers who nurtured her curiosity and love for storytelling. She studied psychology at Stanford University, where she became fascinated by the intricacies of human behavior—an interest that would later shape her writing career. Sarah’s novels are praised for their nuanced characters, intricate plots, and ability to capture the subtle tensions that define love, friendship, and family ties. Her breakthrough novel, The Spaces Between Us, became an instant bestseller, lauded for its honest portrayal of strained family relationships and the fragile bonds that hold people together. Since then, she has published several works that continue to captivate audiences around the world. Outside of her writing career, Sarah is passionate about mental health advocacy and often partners with organizations to promote awareness and support for those struggling with emotional well-being. Her personal life is quieter—she enjoys hiking in the Colorado mountains, practicing yoga, and spending time with close friends. With each new book, Sarah Mitchell cements her reputation as a writer who illuminates the beauty and struggles of human connection.
