From FBI Agent to Capitol Hill
Before entering politics, Brian Fitzpatrick spent over a decade as an FBI Special Agent and a federal prosecutor. Born and raised in Levittown, Pennsylvania, he earned a law degree and an MBA from Penn State University. His FBI career was distinguished; he was embedded with U.S. Special Forces during Operation Iraqi Freedom and later led the FBI's Campaign Finance and Election Crimes Enforcement Program. This background in law enforcement and anti-corruption work became a cornerstone of his political identity when he first ran for Congress. He succeeded his brother, Mike Fitzpatrick, in representing the suburban Philadelphia district after being elected in 2016.
The Bipartisan Brand
Fitzpatrick’s defining feature in Washington is his consistent and vocal bipartisanship.
He is the co-chair of the Problem Solvers Caucus, a group of Democrats and Republicans dedicated to finding common ground on major legislation. Under his leadership, the caucus has influenced key bills, including the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. His voting record often sets him apart from his party. The Lugar Center, a non-partisan organization that tracks congressional bipartisanship, has repeatedly ranked him as one of the most bipartisan members of the House. This reputation has made him a key figure in a narrowly divided Congress, where his vote can be decisive.
A Mixed Voting Record
Being a moderate means taking heat from both sides and often voting against your own party's majority. Fitzpatrick’s record reflects this reality. While he is a Republican, his voting patterns are nuanced. For example, he was one of a handful of Republicans to vote for the Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2021 and a bill banning assault weapons in 2022. He was also one of only 13 House Republicans to support President Biden's infrastructure law. However, on many other issues, he aligns with the Republican conference. During the current session of Congress, he has voted with his party majority around 77% of the time, though he breaks from them more than almost any other Republican member. This mixed record makes him a frequent target for both the progressive left and the conservative right.
Key Policy Stances and Committee Roles
Fitzpatrick's legislative priorities often reflect both his background and his bipartisan approach. He sits on the powerful House Ways and Means Committee and the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, where he chairs the subcommittee on the Central Intelligence Agency. He has co-chaired task forces on mental health, substance abuse, and cancer research. He has also championed legislation related to government reform, including proposals for congressional term limits and a balanced budget amendment. Representing a district that includes Bucks County and a portion of Montgomery County, he also focuses on local issues like addressing PFAS water contamination and securing funding for infrastructure projects.
