In a sharp exchange that’s lighting up party lines, Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) fired back at Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez on Friday, telling her to “deal with it” after she took a swipe at the Democratic Party’s grit. The New York congresswoman had rallied a Las Vegas crowd the day before, declaring, “This isn’t just about Republicans. We need a Democratic Party that fights harder for us, too,” as part of her “Fighting Oligarchy” tour—a signature move for the outspoken “Squad” member.
The clash stems from a contentious vote last week, when 10 Senate Democrats, Fetterman among them, crossed the aisle to join Republicans in pushing forward a continuing resolution (CR) to keep the government humming. The move averted a shutdown, but it’s left a bitter taste for some in the House, where Democrats almost universally shot down the GOP-drafted six-month spending plan before it sailed through the Senate with bipartisan help.
Ocasio-Cortez didn’t mince words about her frustration with the Senate’s decision, but Fetterman clapped back on X, calling her push to fight “harder” a “stunt that would have harmed millions and plunged us into chaos.” He doubled down, touting the vote’s success: “We kept our government open. Deal with it.”
Fight “harder”—a stunt that would have harmed millions and plunged us into chaos.
We kept our government open.
Deal with it. pic.twitter.com/B7NvcidNfa
— U.S. Senator John Fetterman (@SenFettermanPA) March 21, 2025
Other Democrats’ Response To The Government Funding Vote
He’s not the only one catching heat. Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.), another “Squad” standout, vented her dismay at a Minnesota town hall on Thursday. “I am disgusted that several Senate Democrats gave up our first point of leverage,” she told the crowd, slamming her party for chasing the “perfect message” instead of doing the “perfect thing.”
Omar didn’t hold back, suggesting Democrats need a “come to Jesus moment” because some are showing up to a “gunfight” armed with just a “knife.”
The ripples from the CR vote are even reaching leadership critiques. Rep. Glenn Ivey (D-Md.) told constituents at a town hall near Washington, DC, that Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) dropped the ball.
“I thought it was critical to make sure that we block that bill. I was deeply disappointed that [Schumer] voted with the Republicans,” Ivey said. While he tipped his hat to Schumer’s long career, he hinted it might be time for fresh blood at the top: “I’m afraid that it may be time for the Senate Democrats to pick new leadership as we move forward.”
Nancy Pelosi Gives Her Thoughts
Schumer, who’d initially hinted at stonewalling the GOP bill, ended up voting with Republicans on the procedural step—a pivot that didn’t sit well with everyone. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) weighed in this week, standing by Schumer’s leadership but jabbing at his strategy.
“I myself don’t give away anything for nothing,” she told reporters. “I think that’s what happened the other day.”
As the dust settles from the funding fight, the Democratic Party finds itself wrestling with its own identity—caught between those who see compromise as victory and others demanding a fiercer stand. For now, the battle lines are drawn, and the debate is far from over.
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