Senator John Fetterman took a firm stand against proposed GOP budget cuts, refusing to support reductions to vital programs like Medicaid and SNAP that would fund tax breaks for the wealthy.
At a Glance
- Senator Fetterman voted against the GOP’s 2025 Budget Resolution which proposed deep cuts to social programs
- The House bill proposes $4.5 trillion in tax cuts over 9 years while cutting $1.5 trillion from various programs
- Over 3.1 million Pennsylvanians rely on Medicaid and CHIP, with 2 million dependent on SNAP benefits
- Fetterman co-introduced the IDEA Full Funding Act to support students with disabilities
- Governor Shapiro is working to support Pennsylvania farmers and businesses affected by new tariffs
Fetterman Stands Firm Against GOP Budget Plan
U.S. Senator John Fetterman has emerged as a leading voice against the Republican-backed 2025 Budget Resolution, which passed along party lines in the Senate. The budget proposal outlines extensive cuts to social safety net programs that millions of Pennsylvanians depend on daily. The House bill includes $880 billion in cuts from Medicaid, $230 billion from SNAP (food stamps), and $330 billion from education programs, while simultaneously proposing $4.5 trillion in tax cuts over nine years that would primarily benefit the wealthy.
“I voted a hard ‘NO’ on the Republicans’ so-called ‘big, beautiful’ budget bill. I will never support any bill that strips Medicaid, Medicare or SNAP benefits from Americans to bankroll tax cuts for billionaires,” said Sen. John Fetterman.
In Pennsylvania alone, over 3.1 million residents rely on Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) for healthcare access. Additionally, SNAP benefits currently support approximately 2 million Pennsylvanians, including 60,000 veterans and 700,000 children who would face increased food insecurity if these cuts are implemented.
Accelerated Timeline and Economic Impact
The budget process has been accelerated, with key committee markups and votes scheduled throughout February and March. The Senate Finance Committee has been directed to extend the 2017 individual tax cuts, which would cost over $4 trillion. Meanwhile, the Senate resolution includes $342 billion in new spending, with major allocations to Homeland Security and Armed Services, while cutting essential social programs that provide food security and healthcare to vulnerable populations.
“Pennsylvania deserves better than this and I’ll keep fighting for a government that serves the people, not special interests,” Fetterman stated.
The senator has also raised concerns about the economic impact of President Trump’s tariffs, which could significantly affect Pennsylvania’s economy and job market. Governor Josh Shapiro has been meeting with Pennsylvania farmers and businesses to address challenges posed by these federal tariffs and has emphasized state efforts to reduce costs and support economic growth through tax cuts and workforce development.
Championing Disability Education Funding
Beyond his opposition to budget cuts, Senator Fetterman has co-introduced the IDEA Full Funding Act to ensure proper funding for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. This legislation aims to address a significant funding shortfall that has left parents and teachers struggling to provide adequate resources for students with disabilities. The current underfunding has placed additional burdens on local school districts and families trying to meet the needs of disabled students.
“We promised families we’d have their backs, and for decades, we’ve fallen short on that promise. Because IDEA hasn’t been fully funded, parents and teachers have been working overtime to make up for the missing resources their students desperately need. Making IDEA whole is how we guarantee students with disabilities get the support they need to thrive in school,” said Sen. John Fetterman.
Fetterman has emphasized his commitment to working across party lines during the appropriations process to protect these essential programs and services. While the budget resolution has passed the Senate, there remains potential to influence the House’s decisions due to divisions within the Republican majority.
Additional State Initiatives
On the state level, the Pennsylvania Senate recently passed legislation to impose stricter penalties on false emergency threats targeting schools. Senate Bill 96, which now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration, aims to enhance public safety and reduce resource strain caused by false alarms. This measure addresses growing concerns about school safety and the disruptive impact of hoax threats on educational environments.
“False emergency threats not only create panic in our schools but also waste critical resources that should be directed toward real emergencies. By establishing stronger penalties, we are sending a clear message that these reckless actions will not be tolerated. Our schools must remain safe havens for learning, free from unnecessary fear and disruption,” said Sen. Lisa Baker.
As the budget process continues, advocates are encouraging public action, including contacting representatives and participating in protests, to oppose the budget resolutions that could dramatically affect healthcare access and food security for millions of Americans.
