(DailyChive.com) – Senator John Fetterman pushes back against critics of his Senate voting record, claiming the media is orchestrating a “smear campaign” while downplaying the significance of his 30 missed votes this year.
At a Glance
- Sen. Fetterman has missed 30 floor votes in 2024, about 10% of total votes, giving him the third-worst attendance record in the Senate
- Fetterman defended his absences as primarily “throwaway” procedural votes occurring on Mondays when he travels back to Pennsylvania
- The Democrat accused media outlets of targeting him because of his pro-Israel stance and position on illegal immigration
- During a Boston event with Republican Sen. Dave McCormick, Fetterman highlighted their bipartisan cooperation despite policy disagreements
Fetterman Dismisses Significance of Missed Votes
Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman defended his Senate attendance record during a recent Boston event, characterizing his 30 missed floor votes this year as predominantly “throwaway” procedural matters. The absences, accounting for roughly 10% of total Senate votes in 2024, have placed him third from the bottom in Senate attendance. Fetterman explained that most missed votes occurred on Mondays when he typically travels between Washington and Pennsylvania to fulfill family obligations and constituent duties.
Fetterman defends missing ‘throwaway’ Senate votes: ‘It’s just part of a smear’
During the event, Fetterman emphasized that he has been present for all significant legislative decisions, dismissing media scrutiny as politically motivated. “I’ve always been there for the important votes. I’ve been there for the debt ceiling, I’ve been there for Ukraine, and I’ve been there for Israel,” Fetterman stated. He further claimed that his pro-Israel stance and positions on illegal immigration have made him a target for what he termed a “smear campaign.”
Claims of Media Double Standards
Fetterman pointed to what he perceives as uneven media coverage regarding Senate attendance records. He specifically mentioned that Senators Bernie Sanders and Patty Murray have comparable or worse attendance records but face minimal scrutiny from news outlets. According to Fetterman, this disparity in coverage further supports his assertion that criticism of his voting record is politically motivated rather than substantive concern about his Senate performance.
The Pennsylvania Democrat also addressed ongoing speculation about his health following his 2022 stroke and subsequent depression diagnosis. Fetterman has faced persistent questions about his cognitive abilities and fitness for office since returning to the Senate after hospitalization for depression. These health concerns have become intertwined with criticism of his voting record, despite his insistence that his medical issues do not impair his ability to fulfill his senatorial duties.
Bipartisan Moment with Senator McCormick
The Boston event featured Fetterman alongside Republican Senator Dave McCormick, presenting a rare display of cross-party collaboration in today’s polarized political climate. Fetterman expressed appreciation for McCormick’s previous defense against claims that his health issues compromise his effectiveness in Congress. This acknowledgment highlighted a personal connection that transcends typical partisan divisions, even as both senators maintain distinct policy positions.
Despite their cordial rapport, the senators revealed clear policy differences during their discussion. Fetterman voiced strong opposition to aspects of former President Trump’s proposed legislation, particularly potential cuts to Medicaid and food assistance programs. McCormick countered by arguing for work requirements in federal benefit programs, framing them as necessary safeguards rather than punitive measures. The exchange demonstrated how lawmakers can maintain respectful dialogue while representing divergent political philosophies.
Ongoing Health Scrutiny
Fetterman’s Senate tenure has been marked by persistent attention to his health status following his 2022 stroke and subsequent depression diagnosis. His auditory processing difficulties and use of assistive technology in the Senate have made his medical condition unusually visible for a sitting senator. Critics have questioned whether these health challenges affect his capacity to fully execute his congressional responsibilities, despite Fetterman’s consistent assertions that he remains capable of performing his duties effectively.
The senator’s defenders, including McCormick at the Boston event, have argued that focusing on Fetterman’s health challenges rather than his policy positions represents an unfair diversion from substantive political discourse. Fetterman himself has framed the continued attention to his health as part of broader efforts to undermine his credibility due to his sometimes independent stance on issues ranging from foreign policy to immigration, which occasionally breaks from progressive Democratic orthodoxy.
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