U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick was sworn in to continue serving the 1st Congressional District and introduced a legislative package that would reform the nation’s essential institutions.
“I believe that these ideas introduced today transcend partisan politics and strike at the foundation of what our country needs: a renewed confidence in our leaders and our government,” Fitzpatrick said. “Our country faces so many challenges, but I am confident that if my colleagues from both sides of the aisle work together with me to adopt these critical reforms, we can restore faith and confidence in our institutions, which is severely lacking right now.”
Included in the package are constitutional amendments to limit service in Congress to 12 terms, to balance the budget and forfeiture of pay if Congress is late passing a budget.
Fitzpatrick is also sponsoring bills that would codify that all laws passed by Congress must apply to its members; move all redistricting to independent, non-partisan commissions and allow independents and non-affiliated voters to vote in primaries; end congressional pensions; establish uniform standards for absentee voting in federal elections and purge deceased voters from voting rolls; and require photo identification for voting.
“This reform package is not political and should not be controversial. Every legislator in America at the federal, state and local level should be on record as to whether they support these reforms,” Fitzpatrick said. “If not, they should be asked to explain why.” ••
House Speaker Kevin McCarthy announced that Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-1st dist.) will sit on the Ways and Means Committees in the 118th Congress.
“I am excited to fight for the priorities of our community on the Ways and Means Committee,” Fitzpatrick said. “As one of the only certified public accountants in Congress, I look forward to working on bipartisan tax and health care legislation that works for the American people.”
“Congressman Fitzpatrick is a problem solver with a strong track record of working with members of both parties to bring sanity to Washington. The American people are facing many crises right now – record inflation, the high cost of energy, China looking to outcompete America,” said Rep. Jason Smith, a Missouri Republican and chairman of the Ways and Means Committee. “Rep. Fitzpatrick will be a valuable leader in helping the Ways and Means Committee tackle these challenges and build a strong economy that helps working families, lowers taxes and promotes investment in America.”
Additionally, Fitzpatrick will sit on the Ways and Means Committee’s Health and Oversight subcommittees. ••
Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick joined the American Israel Public Affairs Committee Political Leadership Forum to discuss the importance of a strong U.S.-Israel relationship alongside Problem Solvers Caucus co-chairman Rep. Josh Gottheimer.
Fitzpatrick’s remarks, in part, are below.
“Israel and the United States share a special relationship, and it is one that must continue to be cultivated and protected. That is why last Congress I co-sponsored the Israel Relations Normalization Act of 2021, which requires the Department of State to take certain actions promoting the normalization of relations between Israel, Arab states and other countries and regions. This bill would also require the State Department to report on options for U.S. international efforts to promote the strengthening of ties between Israel and other countries. As a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, I will continue to have discussions about how the U.S. can continue to strengthen its relationship with Israel.
“As the co-chair of the bipartisan task force for combating antisemitism, I will work to ensure that any antisemitic acts in all its forms and from all its messengers is condemned. Just last month, our task force sent a letter to the State Department inquiring about certain acts of antisemitism and how they are addressing these horrific instances.
“I alongside Rep. Gottheimer have consistently supported Israel during our time in Congress and will continue to do so as the co-chairs of the Problem Solvers Caucus. This past December, we introduced a House Resolution Condemning Antisemitism by Public Figures. As one of our closest partners, Israel will always have our unwavering support. Together we will continue to strengthen our relationship and promote peace and stability throughout the region and build upon the success of the Abraham Accords.” ••
