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Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) has publicly refuted claims that he is uninterested in serving in Congress, pushing back against criticisms of his limited public appearances and voting record. Speaking at a debate with Sen. Dave McCormick (R-Pa.) during The Senate Project series on Fox Nation, Fetterman accused media outlets of attempting to "smear" him.

"I'm here. I'm doing that job," Fetterman asserted. He acknowledged missing some congressional votes but emphasized that he has attended approximately 90 percent of them. He explained that the missed votes generally occurred on Mondays, which are travel days and not always crucial. "Those are throwaway procedural votes," he added, defending his choice to prioritize family time with his three young children.

Despite this, Fetterman faces criticism from various quarters, including progressives and some of his constituents in Pennsylvania. Allegations have surfaced regarding his mental and physical health, with a recent New York magazine report citing concerns from current and former staffers. Indivisible Pennsylvania, a progressive group, has called for his resignation, criticizing his voting record and his interactions with constituents.

Fetterman, however, remains defiant. He pointed out that Sens. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Patty Murray (D-Wash.) have also missed a notable number of votes without facing similar backlash. According to GovTrack.us, Sanders has missed 13.4 percent of roll call votes since 1991, while Murray has missed 2.6 percent since her term began in 1993. In comparison, Fetterman has missed 18.1 percent of votes in his first term.

The first-term senator's journey has been challenging, especially after suffering a stroke just before winning the 2022 Senate primary. He was hospitalized for a clot, and in February 2023, he sought treatment for severe depression. Fetterman's candid discussions about his mental health have garnered support from many, although it has also intensified the scrutiny surrounding his capacity to serve effectively.

For now, Fetterman continues to focus on his duties, insisting that he remains committed to his role in Congress despite the criticism and challenges.