State Senate Republicans issued a letter to Lt. Gov. John Fetterman Tuesday expressing “grave concerns” over what they described as his “dereliction of duty and defiance as the presiding officer of the Senate.”
Signed by all 28 Republicans in the state Senate, the letter refers to chaos — shouting, name calling and a brief walkout — that unfolded on the Senate floor June 26 over a bill to end the general assistance program, which awards $200 per month to about 10,000 residents considered unable to work.
The Republican-controlled chamber ultimately voted 26-24 to pass a bill to eliminate the program. Two Republicans voted with Democrats against the bill.
“It’s time to move past the events from last week,” Fetterman said in a statement Tuesday. “I’m looking forward to rejoining my colleagues – from both sides of the aisle – when the Senate reconvenes in September to collectively work together for the people of this great commonwealth.”
Fetterman, who presides over the chamber, was criticized by Republicans for breaking Senate rules when he left the rostrum to speak with lawmakers.
“Your self-righteous defiance of the rules has scarred the institution,” the letter said.
The letter goes on to urge Fetterman to “take the summer months to actually read the rules of the Senate” and to consider attending a September conference on parliamentary procedure.
“If you choose to do this again, we will immediately reassign your duties to a member of the Senate as provided by the rules,” the letter said.
