Welcome back to Broad + Liberty’s Candidate Spotlight Series! Each week, we reach out to candidates all across the Commonwealth up for election to public office — an equal number of Democrats and Republicans; incumbents and challengers. We ask one question per week about public policy pressing to you. Those who choose to respond will have their answers shared on our website every Wednesday through Sunday. (Please read a special statement about unresponsive candidates here.)

Earlier this week, Pennsylvania’s nominees for Governor and Lieutenant Governor detailed their plans to work across party lines.

Today, as nominees for U.S. Congress weigh in, we’re spotlighting incumbent Brian Fitzpatrick.

If you are a candidate for public office in Pennsylvania and would like to participate in our series, please reach out to lsattler@broadandliberty.com.

This week’s question: As the debate over the “soul of the nation” intensifies, there are increased calls for unification between parties but increasing moves toward division. How do you plan to serve all your constituents regardless of ideological disposition?

Brian Fitzpatrick (R, Incumbent)

Running for U.S. Congress, District 1

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. 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. I am consistently ranked the number one most bipartisan member of Congress. Throughout my time in Congress, I have focused on delivering results for our community.

Even in the most partisan of times, my bipartisan efforts achieved results for our community. From fighting for the rights of the terminally ill to access lifesaving treatment with my Right to Try Act, to standing up for survivors of cyberstalking in the Combat Online Predators Act, to fighting for child victims of family violence in Kayden’s Law, to achieving the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act, to making sure the children of fallen first responders receive the educational opportunities they deserve through Children of Fallen Heroes Scholarship Act, I have, time and time again, with both a Republican and Democratic president and a Republican and Democratic Congress, demonstrated my ability to put people and results over politics and partisan bickering.

Our community cannot wait for one particular political party to be in control of Congress. Our country demands cross-party solutions and collaboration to create sound public policy. My constituents expect results and constructive solutions to real world problems. And that is what I have delivered.

My ongoing top priorities would include combating the opioid and addiction crisis by expanding access to treatment and providing resources for our law enforcement to stop the illicit flow of deadly drugs like fentanyl into our communities (like in my bipartisan INTERDICT Act that was signed into law). We must also fix a broken Washington through a government reform plan that challenges career politicians: term limits for members of Congress, pass a budget or don’t get paid, and balance the budget. I will also continue to fight for our residents’ right to clean drinking water and hold polluters accountable for PFAS contamination.

It’s imperative we look to bipartisanship as a way to heal our nation and come together to find pragmatic, commonsense solutions. Only when we seek to build bridges with those who think differently than us can we be part of the solution to heal the partisan divide. I have always believed that anyone who works hard and plays by the rules should be able to achieve their own American Dream. As your independent voice in Washington, I will continue to fight hard every day for you, your family, and our one community.

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