Rebels in the Ranks: Cortez Masto, Fetterman, and King Break with Schumer
As the federal government shut down on October 1, 2025, three members of the Democratic caucus stunned Capitol Hill by voting with Republicans to approve a short-term GOP funding plan—sparking internal party tensions and giving the GOP new leverage in the budget standoff.
The Defectors: Who Crossed the Aisle?
- Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV): Warned a shutdown would “hurt Nevada families” and empower the Trump administration.
- Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA): Consistently supported clean funding extensions; called shutdowns “self-inflicted wounds.”
- Sen. Angus King (I-ME): Caucuses with Democrats but cited Trump’s threat to use shutdown powers for mass layoffs.
Why It Matters: The Math Behind the Shutdown
In the Senate, 60 votes are needed to advance spending bills. With 53 Republicans and one GOP defector (Sen. Rand Paul), the GOP needed 8 Democratic votes—but only secured 3.
Still, Minority Leader Chuck Schumer’s strategy to hold firm for healthcare concessions now faces cracks in party unity.
Infographic: Senate Shutdown Vote Breakdown – October 1, 2025
| Group | Votes For GOP Plan | Total Seats | Defection Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Republicans | 52 | 53 | 1 opposed (Rand Paul) |
| Democratic Caucus | 3 | 47 | 6.4% defected |
| Total For Plan | 55 | 100 | 5 short of 60-vote threshold |
Strategic Fallout: GOP Sees Opportunity
Republican leadership, including Vice President JD Vance and Majority Whip John Barrasso, is actively courting more Democrats—especially centrists like Sens. Jeanne Shaheen (NH) and Gary Peters (MI), who have signaled openness to compromise.
“All it takes is five more Senate Democrats,” Barrasso declared Wednesday morning. “There are clearly cracks on their side.”
[INTERNAL_LINK:government-shutdown] Meanwhile, Schumer argues public pressure over rising health insurance costs will keep his caucus unified—but the three defectors suggest otherwise.
What the Rebels Said
“By shutting the government, we’re actually giving Donald Trump more power.” — Sen. Angus King
“I cannot support a costly shutdown that would hurt Nevada families.” — Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto
“This isn’t about politics—it’s about keeping people paid and services running.” — Sen. John Fetterman
