Newly released Fetterman texts show a reluctance to perform constituent duties
September 4, 2026 / 11:16 PM EDT / CBS News
TL;DR
- Text messages obtained by CBS News suggest Senator John Fetterman has been uninterested in core constituent service duties.
- Fetterman reportedly dismissed or refused to meet with constituents, including paralyzed military veterans and representatives from a children's hospital.
- He also reportedly expressed reluctance to attend funerals for slain police officers due to the ceremony's length and travel time.
- A former staffer described Fetterman as difficult to have substantial policy conversations with.
- Democratic Representatives Chris Deluzio and Brendan Boyle have criticized Fetterman's alleged behavior.
- The article notes Fetterman's history of voting against his party on certain issues and his potential disagreements with the Democratic party's stance on Israel.