US senator faces scrutiny about Senate duties, Israel advocacy: WSJ

US Sen. John Fetterman has drawn criticism from former staffers and lawmakers for what they describe as a limited engagement with his Senate duties, while increasingly focusing on conservative media appearances and advocacy for Israel, according to a Wall Street Journal report released this week.

The Democrat from the state of Pennsylvania frequently cancels or declines meetings with constituents and lawmakers, while maintaining a relatively light schedule.

Fetterman has also skipped numerous committee hearings and has become increasingly isolated from Democrats, fueling speculation that he could switch parties. He denied in May that he was considering leaving the Democratic Party.

The report cited more than a dozen former staffers and lawmakers, as well as internal messages and records, in describing what it characterized as a revolving door of aides working to maintain the appearance of a functioning Senate office.

Fetterman, who suffered a near-fatal stroke in 2022, has emerged as a prominent supporter of Israel and a regular presence on conservative media. His position has increasingly distanced him from progressive Democrats while earning praise from Republicans and Israel advocates.

The scrutiny comes as Fetterman faces growing political speculation in Pennsylvania. Recent polling has shown him gaining support among Republican voters while becoming less popular with Democrats, raising questions about his political future.

Fetterman has said he would leave the Democratic Party if it became “the anti-Israel party,” while continuing to deny that he plans to switch parties.