Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick Joins the Club’s Virtual Meeting

We were honored to have Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick join our bi-weekly virtual meeting this morning, 

After dedicating his professional life to service and protecting others, Brian Fitzpatrick was elected to the United States House of Representatives in 2016 to represent the people of Pennsylvania’s Eighth Congressional District.  In the 116th Congress, Brian is a member of the Foreign Affairs and Transportation and Infrastructure committees.  Brian is the founding member of the Congressional Citizen Legislature Caucus, a bipartisan group of lawmakers committed to fighting for term limits and Congressional reforms, and a member of the No Labels ‘Problem Solver Caucus.

He initially shared his commitment to trying to walk the fine line of non-partisanship in an otherwise polarized Washington, DC.  When asked about advise he'd give the President Trump, he said his advice to the president, a governor a mayor or other local leader was two-fold;

  • Act like a leader by lowering the volume and temperature of the debate
  • Bridge the gap between people with seemingly contradictory or opposing views

He reiterated he abhors the mentality which advocates "fanning the flames" of political discourse and how much he admired Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr  and his approach to changing peoples minds by appealing to their better nature and peaceful protest.  Brian also believes the most people form both the "right" and the "left" generally want the same things … quality health care, great schools, safe streets, etc; … but those groups may seek achieving such ends using different approaches.

He hopes that those on opposing ends of the political spectrum can step back and step in to the shoes of those with whom the disagree to understand where they are coming from … and ultimately finding some common ground to mutually build on.

He agrees that the escalating national debt is a problem which needs to be addressed, but that the economic crisis created by the COVID-19 pandemic has and may still require additional government spending.  He sees tax reform, regulatory reform and budgetary reform as the three legs of a tripod which will needed to come to grips with the burgeoning debt.  For each he feels there is a point of equilibrium which doesn't threaten jobs or the environment.  However, he offered no specifics.

Asked about the use of federal troops, pursuant to the authorizations and restrictions under the Insurrection Act of 1807 and Posse Comitias Act of 1878, as amended, Congressman Fitzpatrick focused on the use of National Guard troops and mutual assistance agreements with other agencies under the direction of the respective state governors … but seemed to shy away from wanting to see US armed forces be committed to resolving the problems created by those few perpetrating riots, looting and other destructive acts amid the protests over the killing of George Floyd.

Brian was asked about China, to which he offered that America is too dependent on certain critical medical and other items which have been outsourced to China and other countries.  He continued, "Crisis has always been a catalyst for change in America's history. Today, our nation faces the health and economic crises caused by COVID-19, which has killed tens of thousands of Americans and left millions unemployed.  As states reopen, it is up to us to build a nation more resilient, better-equipped, and more secure.  As lawmakers from opposite political parties, we know that Congress can create positive, generational change for the American people only when we look for common ground.  Emerging from this crisis, we call on the federal government to act on three priorities that will get America back on its feet. With investments in broadband access, support for the creation of domestic supply chains and requirements for Congress to meet its constitutional budgetary obligations, we believe that the United States can once again find transformation in a time of crisis."

He feels strongly that someone, likely China if investigations ultimately determine it is responsible for COVID-91 and a failure to alert the world sooner about a potential pandemic, needs to be held accountable for the devastating lost revenue the America economy has experience.  Briand believes peace relies on justice and justice is a function of finding the facts.  If the facts lead to China's door step he favors stripping China of the sovereign immunity it now enjoys.

Fitzpatrick believes we should adopt the adage of NEVER AGAIN when it comes to America being unprepared should another pandemic occur.  However, he is quick to admit that bringing necessary industries to protect our country will not be a quick fix and could take years.

He believes there needs to be compromise on the dual aspects of immigration and the rule of law. 

As for mail-in coting, he acknowledged that absentee balloting which has been in place for decades is really mail-in voting.  Brian believes it can materially increase voter participation and can be much safer, particularly in an era of COVID-19.  At the same time, he has heard those opposed to all but very limited absentee voting who claim it can be riddled with fraud, although to date there is no documented evidence to support that position.  Both sides need to work together to find ways to safely increase voter involvement and participation while eliminating insofar as humanly possible areas where vote tampering or fraud can occur.  Like immigration, right and left must work together.

He noted that in Pennsylvania recent legislation has eliminated straight ticket voting and permitted no-excuse absentee voting.

The subject ot how to get Washington to work together was posed.  Brian re-emphasized diversity needs to be used as a reason to accomplish things for American and Americans, not as a wedge for division.  He remains concerned that the deep rift between many Republicans and many Democrats is reminiscent of the Hatfield and McCoy’s feuds.

Among legislation he believes necessary to help American rebuild its economy is comprehensive business interruption insurance to transcend the payroll, rent and utility monies which have ben made available.

An optimist, he echoes those who believe American can overcome all obstacles, even those which seem so imposing at present.

Aa believer in term limits and such logical tools as Mutual Respect for Others, Understanding and Compromise are the keys to bipartisanship.  He will only sponsor legislation for which he has such bipartisan support.

More on his positions can be found at: https://fitzpatrick.house.gov/issues.