Senator John Fetterman (D–PA) delivered one of his most forceful statements to date, sharply criticizing members of his own party for allowing the recent government shutdown to jeopardize federal workers, the military, and millions of Americans who rely on public assistance. Speaking candidly to reporters, Fetterman accused Democratic leadership of crossing a moral and political “red line” by refusing to approve funding that would keep critical services operating.
The senator’s remarks came just hours before lawmakers reached a breakthrough agreement to end the shutdown, which had dragged on amid partisan disputes over budget priorities. “My party crossed a line,” Fetterman said bluntly. “Of now putting 42 million Americans with their SNAP benefits, and making flying less safe — that kind of chaos — and not paying our military!” His words underscored growing frustration from within the Democratic ranks as the economic and social impact of the shutdown deepened.
Fetterman, known for his plainspoken style and willingness to challenge party orthodoxy, said his decision to break publicly with fellow Democrats came down to a matter of principle. “I mean, that was a red line for me that I can’t cross as a Democrat,” he said. The Pennsylvania senator emphasized that his stance was motivated not by political calculation but by a sense of duty to the American people, particularly working-class families who would have been hardest hit by the shutdown’s ripple effects.
“I think that’s been described as country over the party,” Fetterman continued. “I’m relieved that the people now are going to get paid, and fed, and millions and millions of Americans — they’re going to be flying now. That’s going to be made more safe and restored.” His remarks reflected both relief and lingering disappointment that such a confrontation had been allowed to occur in the first place.
The senator’s comments drew immediate attention from across the political spectrum. Republicans praised Fetterman’s willingness to break with his party, while some Democrats privately acknowledged that his concerns mirrored frustrations voiced by constituents nationwide. Others, however, criticized his tone, arguing that it risked undermining unity just as the party sought to regroup after days of intense negotiations.
The shutdown agreement, reached late in the evening, ensures that funding will resume for federal agencies, SNAP benefits, and transportation safety programs. Military personnel, who faced uncertainty over pay during the standoff, will now receive back pay immediately. Economists had warned that further delay could have disrupted travel, slowed food assistance, and reduced public trust in government institutions.
Fetterman’s public rebuke has positioned him as one of the most outspoken Democratic voices willing to challenge his own leadership. His remarks may also signal a broader internal reckoning over how the party balances fiscal strategy, political leverage, and moral responsibility. For now, however, his message was clear: in moments of crisis, he believes the government’s duty is to keep Americans safe, fed, and secure — no matter the political cost.
The death toll from this week’s floods on the Indonesian island of Bali has risen to 14 people from nine, a government official said on Thursday (Sep 11), though the rain has stopped and water levels are receding in most areas.
Two people are missing in the tourist hub’s capital of Denpasar, and 125 rescuers have been deployed in the search for them, disaster mitigation agency spokesperson Abdul Muhari said.
He added that more than 500 people have been evacuated to schools and mosques.
Torrential rains on Tuesday and Wednesday caused floods in Denpasar and six of Bali’s eight regions, blocking major roads, including access to the island’s international airport. There were also landslides in some areas.
Most of the deaths occurred when people were swept away after rivers burst their banks, Abdul said.
No foreigners were among the casualties, the agency said.
There were no reports of flight cancellations on Thursday.
In response to CNA’s queries, Budget airline Scoot on Thursday said its flights to and from Bali are currently operating as scheduled.
However, it said that customers affected by the floods on the island may contact Scoot for further assistance.
For bookings made through travel agents or partner airlines, the customers are advised to contact their travel agent or the purchasing airline directly for assistance.
“The safety of our customers and crew is our top priority.
“We will continue to closely monitor the situation in Bali and adjust our flights, where necessary,” an airline spokesperson said.
Rescuers are still pumping water out of several flooded buildings and around 500 military personnel have been deployed to clear streets of mud, debris and rocks.
“The peak of the rain has passed and generally the waters have receded. Now, we are focusing on clearing mud from the streets,” Abdul said.
Heavy rain also caused flooding in Indonesia’s East Nusa Tenggara where four people were killed.
It was 2 a.m. in the ER, and I was slumped in a plastic chair in pajama pants still stained from birth, cradling my three-week-old. Olivia burned with fever, screaming until her voice went hoarse. My C-section scar throbbed. I whispered, “Shh, baby. Mommy’s here,” praying she’d last until a doctor came.
Across from us, a man in a razor-sharp suit waved his Rolex at the nurse. “We’re prioritizing that?” he sneered, pointing at me. “A single mom with a screaming kid? I pay for this system.” The nurse stayed calm. I kissed Olivia’s damp forehead and tried not to cry.
Then the double doors swung open. A doctor walked straight past him. “Baby with fever? Three weeks old? Follow me.” The man jumped up, clutching his chest. “I’ve had chest pain—could be a heart attack!” The doctor didn’t flinch. “You’re not pale, not sweating, no shortness of breath. My guess? Pulled a muscle golfing. This infant could have sepsis. She goes first. And if you speak to my staff like that again, I’ll walk you out myself.” The waiting room erupted in applause.
Hours later, Olivia’s fever broke. The nurse slipped me a bag of donations—diapers, wipes, a pink blanket, and a note: You’ve got this, Mama. When we finally walked out, my daughter sleeping against my chest, Mr. Rolex sat red-faced and silent. I looked right at him and smiled—not smug, just steady. A smile that said: