Opponents Attack Fitzpatrick Over Trump Impeachment Vote

Opponents lining up to challenge U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick in next year's election wasted little time attacking his vote Thursday against launching a formal impeachment inquiry against President Donald Trump.

Fitzpatrick, a Republican who represents Bucks County, voted along with every other House GOP member against the inquiry. Only two House Democrats joined them in the 232-196 vote.

"Second only to declaring war, impeaching a president and overturning the results of an election is the most significant action that Congress can take," Fitzpatrick said in a written statement. "Historical precedent demands that this only occurs in the most extreme circumstances, and should happen only after a formal law enforcement investigation where independent, non-partisan factual findings of criminal activity are presented to Congress. As this had not occurred, and as all proceedings to date have been held in secret and excluded 75% of Congress, today's actions by the House have set a dangerous precedent for our nation."

Fitzpatrick is largely viewed as a moderate who has been, at times, critical of Trump. But his vote Thursday quickly drew fire from Democrats who have declared plans to challenge him in next November's election.

Debbie Wachspress, a Pennsbury School Board member, said Fitzpatrick voted "to sweep Trump's behavior under the rug."

"Congressman Fitzpatrick has repeatedly shown that he has no interest in learning the truth of what Trump did, despite the serious implications for the security of our elections and our nation ...," Wachspress said in a written statement. "Today’s vote further proves that Brian Fitzpatrick is more interested in protecting Donald Trump, his party, and his own political career than he is in upholding his duty to the Constitution."

Impeachment proceedings in the House have centered around whether Trump inappropriately pressured the president of Ukraine to investigate the family of former Vice-President Joe Biden, who is running for president.

Christina Finello, an Ivyland Borough council member and deputy director of the Bucks County Department of Housing and Human Services, called Thursday's vote "an important step toward helping Congress uncover the truth."

"Shame on Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick for voting to shield Trump from accountability instead," she said in a Facebook post. "We need a representative with the courage to do what's right, yet Brian Fitzpatrick still won't stand up to President Trump. His constituents, not GOP leaders, should have guided his vote today."

Judi Reiss, a former Lower Makefield Township supervisor, said the American public deserves to know whether Trump encouraged a foreign nation's leaders to help influence the U.S. election.

"It’s disappointing to see Brian Fitzpatrick fall in partisan line, stand against transparency and defend an administration willing to hide the truth at all costs," she said. "He’s insinuated an inquiry would be a distraction from the issues. Election security and abuse of power are issues."

Andy Meehan, a Republican who is challenging Fitzpatrick from the right in the Republican primary, called Fitzpatrick's vote "a MAGA masquerade" in a YouTube video posted Friday.

"The sad fact is, it makes headlines when Brian Fitzpatrick votes Republican ...," he said. "Of course, everyone knows that a 'yes' vote would have been political suicide for Fitzpatrick, so why all the hubbub?"