Houlahan Highlights 2021 Accomplishments In Town Hall

PHOENIXVILLE — U.S. Rep. Chrissy Houlahan was thrilled to be back in person at the Colonial Theatre in Phoenixville this week to provide a sixth year in review for the constituents of the 6th Congressional District.

The COVID-19 pandemic, which broke out in Pennsylvania in March 2020, prevented indoor gatherings to avoid the spread of the virus.

“Under normal circumstances, gathering together in this historic theatre would be special but Wednesday night it was very special because this gathering and this event marked more than two years since I have been able to address members of our community in this particular venue, the Colonial Theatre,” Houlahan said to the crowd gathered in the theatre.

Houlahan, a Chester County Democrat, is running unopposed in the May primary for the 6th Congressional District, which represents all of Chester County and southeastern Berks County.

There are four candidates running in the Republican primary. They are Regina Mauro, 57, of Devon; Ron Vogel, 36, Malvern; Steve Fanelli, 60, West Chester; and Guy Ciarrocchi, 57, Tredyffrin Township.

Houlahan, an Air Force veteran and engineer, showed the audience a video highlighting her accomplishments of 2021.

“I just want to thank everyone who worked so hard to secure this building (the Capitol) and save our democracy,” Houlahan said after the Jan 6 insurrection.

The video showed Houlahan touring the borough during Hurricane Ida in September to assess the damage from the flooding and ensure repairs get done.

It also showed Houlahan delivering a speech about infrastructure at the Paoli Train Station, where a project to increase pedestrian safety is in the works.

She told the crowd that failure to deliver on infrastructure is not an option, noting Pennsylvania was getting more than $11 billion for roads and $1.5 billion for bridge repairs.

Houlahan’s address was accompanied by a Year in Review video and PowerPoint presentation that provided updates from Washington, D.C. on addressing inflation, supporting small businesses and restaurants, reducing supply chain bottlenecks, helping Ukrainians defend themselves against Russian aggression and more.

“The past several years have been more than challenging, there’s no doubt about it,” Houlahan said. “At home, we have had to make some hard choices, and in Congress, I have had to make some hard choices. It is my belief that our best days are ahead of us, and we will not just survive, we will thrive.”

After Houlahan’s remarks and presentation, Mayor Peter Urscheler moderated the question-and-answer period.

“Phoenixville was honored to welcome Representative Houlahan back to the historic Colonial Theatre,” Urscheler said. “I was excited to see so many thoughtful questions—the Borough of Phoenixville is always a great place for people of all backgrounds and ideologies to come together for respectful dialogue. "

Houlahan serves on the House Armed Services Committee, the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the House Small Business Committee.

She is the recipient of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Abraham Lincoln Leadership for America Award which “recognizes members who demonstrate the bipartisan leadership and constructive governing necessary to move our country forward.”