Senator John Fetterman, a Democrat from Pennsylvania, has cultivated a reputation as a maverick in the Senate, often going against the grain of his party’s norms. But when it comes to actual voting, the story takes a different turn.

In a recent vote, Fetterman joined every Democratic senator present to block a bill that would have barred biological males from competing in women’s and girls’ sports—a measure that polls indicate has widespread public support, including among Democrats. According to a New York Times/Ipsos poll, 67% of Democrats align with Republicans in opposing biological males participating in female sports.

The proposed legislation aimed to amend Title IX, mandating that gender be recognized solely based on biological and genetic factors at birth, excluding considerations for gender identity. Despite its popularity, the bill didn’t make it past the Senate’s filibuster.

Fetterman’s voting record on this issue contrasts sharply with his outspoken stances on other topics. After his 2022 election, he made headlines with vocal support for Israel and even stirred controversy by meeting with former President Donald Trump following Trump’s 2024 electoral victory. He also co-sponsored the Republican-backed Laken Riley Act, a sweeping immigration enforcement bill, which was signed into law, further solidifying his unpredictable political persona.

Fetterman has not shied away from criticizing his party's behavior, particularly during Trump's joint address to Congress. He described Democratic disruptions as a “sad cavalcade of self-owns and unhinged petulance,” warning that such antics only made Trump appear “more presidential and restrained.”

However, his voting record reveals a different story. In 2023, Fetterman aligned with President Joe Biden’s policies 97.3% of the time, according to ABC News’ FiveThirtyEight. Unlike notable dissenters like Senators Elizabeth Warren, Bernie Sanders, and Joe Manchin, Fetterman did not make the list of Democrats who most frequently opposed Biden.

This discrepancy between Fetterman’s fiery rhetoric and his voting behavior raises questions about the depth of his maverick persona. Is he a true rebel or simply a senator who likes to play the contrarian card when it’s convenient?

Fetterman’s office did not provide a comment on his decision to block the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act, leaving observers to speculate on the reasoning behind his vote.

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