Fetterman Says Some Democrats Possibly Afraid to Reopen DHS Due to Party Activists

The Pennsylvania Democrat says some in his party could be caving to activist pressure not to fund the DHS, as Senate negotiations head into their sixth week.

Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) heads to the Senate Chamber for a vote at the U.S. Capitol in Washington on May 10, 2023. Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

Sen. John Fetterman said Wednesday night that activist pressure within his own party is prolonging the partial Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shutdown, offering his observations from within the Democratic caucus for why the standoff has stretched into its sixth week.

Appearing on Fox News’ “Hannity” on March. 25, the Pennsylvania Democrat said ongoing protests against the Trump administration—such as the “No Kings” rallies nationwide—have left some senators unwilling to vote to restore DHS funding. He said they “might be afraid to reopen” the government because demonstrators are pushing demands that he said were never achievable.