2020 Candidate: Brian Fitzpatrick, U.S. House, PA-01

LANGHORNE, PA — U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick is seeking a third term to Congress representing Pennsylvania's 1st Congressional District, which includes all of Bucks and a sliver of Montgomery County.

Fitzpatrick, a Republican, faces Democratic nominee Christina Finello, an Ivyland council member and Bucks County courts solicitor. You can view her profile here.

Here is Patch's profile of Fitzpatrick, as filled out by the candidate.

Age (as of Election Day): 46

Position Sought: U.S. Congress, District 1

Party Affiliation: Republican

Family: Jim Fitzpatrick - Dad. Mary Fitzpatrick - Mom.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?: My late brother, Mike Fitzpatrick, served as Congressman of Pennsylvania's 8th Congressional District.

Education: B.S.B.A., La Salle University, Philadelphia, Pa., 1996; M.B.A., Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pa., 2001; J.D., Dickinson School of Law, Pennsylvania State University, Carlisle, Pa., 2001

Occupation: U.S. Congressman, 3+ Years

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office: N/A

Campaign website: www.BrianFitzpatrick.com

Why are you seeking elective office?

I’ve made it my mission to take on a broken and dysfunctional Washington. On my very first day in office, I introduced a bold and sweeping government reform package to challenge the career politicians, impose term limits and abolish congressional pensions for members of Congress. In order to truly fix the system, we must build bridges, restore people’s faith in the system and bring America together.

The single most pressing issue facing our state/nation is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Hyper-partisanship is the single biggest threat facing our nation. Bipartisanship is the only remedy that will save and heal our nation. Which of these paths one chooses determines whether they desire to be part of the problem or part of the solution. If one chooses partisanship and condemns those who think differently, they are part of the problem. If one chooses bipartisanship and seeks to build bridges with those who think differently, they are part of the solution. As the #1 Most Bipartisan Member of Congress in the entire nation and U.S. history, I have chosen, and will continue to choose, the path of bipartisanship and problem solving because I love the United States of America, the greatest country on Earth.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

As a vice-chair of the Bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus, I believe in a commitment to centrism, finding common ground and working constructively towards pragmatic solutions. My support from environmental groups, organized labor and gun safety groups show my independent approach towards governing which brings people together and rejects the Hatfield vs. McCoy hyper-partisanship that is destroying our country. I will also staunchly oppose the dangerous Defund the Police movement.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

I have put forth a bold government reform plan which challenges the career politicians in Washington: term limits for members of Congress, pass the No Budget, No Pay Act and balance the budget. As a Co-Chair of the Bipartisan Opioid Task Force, I am fighting to expand access to treatment for those affected by addiction as well as for additional resources for our law enforcement to secure the border and stop the flow of deadly drugs into our communities. I’m fighting for a health care system that works for everyone, increase access and competition and lowers the cost of prescription drugs. I voted for legislation to establish a fair price negotiation program, protect the Medicare program from excessive price increase and establish an out-of-pocket maximum for Medicare part D enrollees. And I will continue to protect those with preexisting conditions, Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program. I believe that every American deserves a fair shot at success and will continue to make certain that our institutions serve us, not the career bureaucrats or politicians, and that all those who work hard can live a fulfilling life of dignity and opportunity.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

For nearly a decade and a half, I served our country as an FBI Supervisory Special Agent where my focus was fighting political corruption and supporting global counterterrorism efforts. As a Special Assistant United States Attorney, I prosecuted violent drug and gun offenders to stem the tide of abuse and violence and was named “Investigator of the Year” by the Federal Law Enforcement Foundation. In Congress, I co-led the greatest conservation achievement in decades with the Great American Outdoors Act, which permanently funds the LWCF, and led the fight to provide those suffering from debilitating terminal diseases a chance at life through access to potentially life-saving treatments with my Right to Try legislation.

The best advice ever shared with me was …

My mom told me early on to always tell the truth, never be angry and give everything you can.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I believe that anyone who works hard and plays by the rules should be able to achieve their own American Dream. I am proud to be your independent voice in Washington who stands up for the concerns and health of our community. From Day 1, I have been focused on clean water given the PFOS/PFOA contamination issues in our district. I am a strong supporter of the PFAS Action Act and establishing strong standards for regulating PFAS, holding polluters accountable, and ensuring that all Americans have access to safe drinking water. I also opposed the proposed Elcon facility in Falls Township, the development of the Rockhill Quarry in East Rockhill Township and have called for a ban on fracking in the Delaware River Basin.