Sen. Fetterman Sparks Backlash Over Complaints About
Fetterman’s “Beach” Remark Riles Senators During Grueling Vote on Trump-Backed Bill
WASHINGTON – A marathon Senate session on Monday—called to handle scores of amendments to a 940-page Republican policy package once nicknamed the “Big, Beautiful Bill” by former President Donald Trump—sparked tempers, fatigue, and fresh intraparty friction after first-term Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) complained he was missing a planned family beach trip.
An Off-the-Cuff Comment
Catching reporters outside the chamber, Fetterman sighed:
“Oh my God, I just want to go home. I’ve already missed our entire trip to the beach. By the time we’re done, my family will be back from vacation.”
He later voted against the bill. Still, the quip quickly drew criticism from Republicans—and from some Democrats who said lawmakers need to focus on work, not weekend plans, when major legislation is on the table.
What the Bill Would Do
GOP leaders tout the measure as a sweeping conservative wish list touching taxes, border enforcement, health-care policy, and more. Democrats object to multiple provisions and spent the weekend trying to blunt or strip out key sections.
