Key Takeaways:
- Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, a House Republican, is pushing for a health care compromise and extension of expiring Affordable Care Act subsidies.
- Fitzpatrick believes that Republicans need to focus on lowering the cost of living for Americans, rather than other issues like condemning socialism.
- He is frustrated with his party’s leadership and thinks that they have not done enough to address the issue of affordability.
- Fitzpatrick is also a strong supporter of Ukraine and wants to impose sanctions on Russia.
- He is confident that he will run for reelection despite the challenges that Republicans will face in retaining control of the House.
Introduction to Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick’s Message
Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, one of the few House Republicans who won in a district that then-Vice President Kamala Harris carried, has a clear message for his party: "If you don’t have a better plan, then get on board with ours. But doing nothing is not an option." In a recent interview, Fitzpatrick emphasized the need for a health care compromise and the extension of expiring Affordable Care Act subsidies. He also expressed his frustration with his party’s leadership and their focus on issues that are not relevant to the American people.
Fitzpatrick’s Health Care Compromise
Fitzpatrick is among the few House Republicans who are putting forward legislation to extend the enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies that are due to expire at the end of the year. He believes that a short-term plan to shield Americans from skyrocketing insurance premiums is better than anything he has seen from his party. Fitzpatrick voted against the GOP push to repeal Obamacare in 2017 because he found the replacement "insufficient." He thinks that Republicans "still have not been able to put together an articulable plan that’s going to work for everyday Americans." Fitzpatrick’s effort to reach a compromise on the ACA subsidies has gained interest from some of his more conservative colleagues, who recognize the need to address the affordability crisis in the country.
The Affordability Crisis
Fitzpatrick believes that combating rising costs will be "the issue" of the 2026 elections. He highlights Trump’s election to a second term and Democrat Zohran Mamdani’s recent victory in the New York City mayoral race as examples of what happens when voters are motivated by cost-of-living concerns. Despite the president’s claim that affordability is a "hoax," Fitzpatrick disagrees, saying "Believe me. I hear it every day back home. It’s real." He thinks that the GOP has not been focusing enough on this issue and that every bill they bring to the floor should be focused on lowering the cost of living for people who need it most.
Fitzpatrick’s Frustration with Party Leadership
Fitzpatrick’s frustration with his party’s leadership is evident in his criticism of their focus on issues like condemning socialism and regulating compensation for college athletes. He thinks that these issues are not relevant to the American people and that the party should be focusing on issues like affordability and health care. Fitzpatrick also expressed his disappointment with House Speaker Mike Johnson, saying that he is not sure if Johnson wants to be speaker again next term. He recalls that Johnson used to be a leader in the bipartisan charge for civility, but now he seems to be more focused on pleasing the party’s base.
Fitzpatrick’s Support for Ukraine
Fitzpatrick is a strong supporter of Ukraine and wants to impose sanctions on Russia. He has introduced legislation that mirrors a bipartisan bill in the Senate, which would enact crippling tariffs on countries that buy oil and gas from Russia. Fitzpatrick acknowledges that there are barriers to forcing a vote on his bill in the House, but he warns that "I don’t want to let the perfect be the enemy of the good." He thinks that Congress needs to send a signal to Russia, Ukraine, and the world that they care about Ukraine and are willing to take action to support them.
Fitzpatrick’s Reelection Plans
Despite the challenges that Republicans will face in retaining control of the House, Fitzpatrick is confident that he will run for reelection. He is one of only three House Republicans who won in a district where Trump lost the 2024 election. Fitzpatrick believes that he has a strong connection with his district and that he will be able to navigate the challenges of the election. He also thinks that Trump’s influence on the election will not be a major factor, saying "I’m a pretty independent-minded person" and that he is willing to break with his party on major votes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick’s message to his party is clear: they need to focus on issues that matter to the American people, like affordability and health care. He is frustrated with his party’s leadership and thinks that they have not done enough to address the affordability crisis. Fitzpatrick is also a strong supporter of Ukraine and wants to impose sanctions on Russia. Despite the challenges that Republicans will face in retaining control of the House, Fitzpatrick is confident that he will run for reelection and is willing to break with his party on major votes to serve his constituents.