Sen. Fetterman defends vote to reopen government on 'The View'

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania said Tuesday he refused to "weaponize" SNAP benefits or jeopardize military pay as he explained his decision to support a Senate bill to reopen the government, a move that drew criticism from some Democrats.

The Senate passed the legislation Monday night with help from eight members of the Democratic caucus. The House is expected to take up the bill Wednesday.

Fetterman appeared on ABC's The View to discuss his vote and promote his new book, released Tuesday.

"I refuse to weaponize SNAP benefits for 42 million Americans that rely on it for feeding themselves or their family, or making flying in America less safe. I refuse not to pay our military and all of the unions attached to this," Fetterman said.

Many Democrats called the vote a mistake.

Minority Leader Sen. Chuck Schumer, who received blowback from his party in March when he voted to keep the government open, said he could not "in good faith" support it after meeting with his caucus for more than two hours on Sunday.

"We will not give up the fight," Schumer said, adding that Democrats have now "sounded the alarm" on health care.