Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick: A Call for Change in Republican Leadership
Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, one of the few Republicans in a district carried by then-Vice President Kamala Harris, is pushing for action in his party. As healthcare subsidies near expiration and election season heats up, he urges his colleagues to present better plans or get behind existing solutions.
“If you don’t have a better plan, then get on board with ours,” Fitzpatrick emphasizes. He openly critiques his party’s leaders, especially regarding healthcare compromise and support for Ukraine.
Fitzpatrick stands out as one of the few Republicans advocating to extend the Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies. While he doesn’t endorse every aspect of the ACA, he asserts that a temporary plan to prevent rising insurance costs is vital.
Historically, Republicans struggled to offer a solid alternative to Obamacare. Fitzpatrick’s 2017 vote against the GOP’s repeal efforts reflects this ongoing challenge. “Eight years later, Republicans still have not presented a clear plan that works for everyday Americans,” he notes—pointing to rising healthcare costs that many constituents face.
Election trends spotlight the importance of affordability. Fitzpatrick warns that issues like soaring living costs will shape the 2026 elections, drawing parallels to Trump’s unexpected victories and recent wins by Democrats like Zohran Mamdani in diverse districts.
Despite frustrations about the party’s focus, he insists, “Every bill we bring to the floor should lower the cost of living for those who need it most.” This sentiment aligns with a broader call for economic responsibility. A recent report from the Kaiser Family Foundation shows nearly 40% of adults in the U.S. are facing challenges in affording basic essentials.
Fitzpatrick’s concerns reach beyond healthcare. He criticizes House leadership focusing on topics like socialism and college athlete compensation instead of pressing issues his constituents care about.
As he evaluates House Speaker Mike Johnson’s leadership, Fitzpatrick suggests that leadership should empower members to prioritize district needs. “Let every member identify one vital issue for their district,” he proposes.
His commitment to foreign policy is just as strong. Fitzpatrick, co-chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus, has called for sanctions against Russia, reflecting a consensus in Congress for robust support of Ukraine. He argues that decisive action against Putin is necessary: “Dictators only respond to strength.”
Amid shifting political waters, Fitzpatrick is determined to run for reelection, navigating a landscape where only three Republicans represent districts lost by Trump in the last election. His independence underscores his strategy: “I don’t answer to any person or party in Washington. My bosses are back home.”
In a fast-changing political environment, Fitzpatrick’s mix of pragmatism and commitment to his constituents offers insights into the evolving landscape of both healthcare and foreign policy, emphasizing that listening to the public is key.
For further insights on healthcare policies and their impacts, visit this Kaiser Family Foundation report.
