Pennsylvania Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick

PENNSYLVANIA CONGRESSMAN BRIAN FITZPATRICK

Brian Fitzpatrick, U.S. Representative for Pennsylvania’s first If there’s something wrong, something congressional district, spoke with Kenneth M. Jarin, Practice Leader of that needs to be fixed, with our voting Ballard Spahr’s Government Relations and Public Policy Group, about process, we need to know about it. And if there’s no merit to these lawsuits, the road that lies ahead—for him, for the Problem-Solvers Caucus, and then they will be dismissed.” for President-Elect Joe Biden. “I have yet to see any evidence of First, congratulations on your re- “The first time I actually met systematic fraud. Are there isolated election. What is a top priority for President-Elect Biden was through the situations? Yes, and there always have you moving in to 2021? Beau Biden Foundation. Beau and I been. Voter fraud happens. The issue worked together at the U.S. Attorney’s is, is it pervasive? No. Do I believe “So much of what we’ve done so office in Philadelphia, when I was an [President Trump] has the right to air far hasn’t been stimulus. It’s been intern. We got to know each other his grievances in a court of law, just relief. We’re not even keeping up through that group. [President-Elect like any other citizen in this country? with people’s needs, let alone helping Biden] was very generous and kind, Yes. I’m a big believer in openness, them stay on top of things. I think and wrote a very thoughtful note when honesty, and transparency. The infrastructure spending could solve my brother [former Rep. Michael healthiest way to move forward, so our a lot of problems. Infrastructure isn’t Fitzpatrick] passed away. So, I can tell country can heal and come together, is an expense. It’s an investment. Every you that he’s a very kind person.” to let the process play out.” dollar that goes into it creates multiple dollars going forward, and that’s not You’ve said you believe legal You’re a member of the Problem- even touching on how badly we need challenges to President-Elect Solvers Caucus [an independent it. It’s the perfect job creator at the Biden’s campaign should be allowed member-driven group in Congress perfect time. The timing couldn’t to run their course. How are you comprised of representatives from be better to pass a wide-ranging, feeling about that now? across the country and equally comprehensive infrastructure bill. That divided between Democrats “I take the same perspective that I means roads and bridges. It means and Republicans]. With a new took in 2000. In 2000, it was one state new facilities for schools. It means administration, what do you see as at issue, not four. I believe we have broadband access for rural areas. the top priorities for that group? We should really be thinking about a President-Elect. We have a winner. infrastructure as the means to solve a The transition is under way. We also “There are a lot of caucuses in Congress, lot of problems facing us right now.” have someone who is accessing the and they run the continuum from far courts, as he has a right to. As long right to far left. There’s only one that’s I understand you know President- as that process isn’t being abused, as bipartisan, and that’s the Problem- Elect Biden. What can you tell us long as the lawsuits aren’t frivolous, I Solvers. Basically, what we believe is that about him? think it’s okay to let it run its course. government should function the same as any kind of relationship in our lives. You “[The proposed stimulus bill] is only who have been left out for a number listen more than you lecture. You don’t designed to get us to the end of the year. of reasons. We want to make sure that allow the perfect to be the enemy of the The constant bickering leading up to people who have trouble getting access good. You look for consensus and build and in the aftermath of the election has get that. [Legal Services Corporation, from the middle. You’d rather have 80 really prevented people from getting the an independent nonprofit established percent of something than 100 percent help they need. I hear it every single day by Congress to support civil legal aid of nothing.” when I am back home in my district. to people in need of legal services] plays People are in really dire circumstances a critically important role, not just “I think it’s going to be very from a health care standpoint. People in the legal sector, but in just about interesting. We have diminished are in really dire circumstances from everything. A big part of what we need margins both in the House and a financial standpoint. It’s devastating to do is get them adequate funding.” Senate, regardless of how Georgia people who are in recovery, and it’s pans out. That’s going to expand our absolutely devastating working parents, Any final thoughts you’d like to share role. We’ll be able to influence a lot who are trying to educate their children on what we have talked about today? of negotiations. Also, with the new at home and can’t afford child care. We administration, President-Elect Biden “I think the big thing we’re all hoping just want to create a bridge and provide has indicated he really wants to work for is that we can get through 2020 short-term relief until there’s a new in a bipartisan matter with legislators together. It’s been a rough year for a congress and a new administration.” on both sides of the aisle, so I think lot of people for a host of reasons, not that will expand our influence and You’re also involved in the Access to the least of which was the pandemic. expand our ability to get things done.” Justice Caucus. What role do you see I think we’re all hopeful that the that group playing in the near future? new year will bring a lot of positive The Problem-Solvers has change. I think we’re all hoping that assembled a stimulus bill that “Myself and Mary Gay Scanlon, who is the vaccine will start bringing us back seems to be gaining a lot of my former colleague at Ballard Spahr, to something close to normal, and that support. From your perspective, are going to be the bi-partisan co-chairs our economy and country can start to what’s likely to happen there? of this caucus. It expands access to the heal. I’m hopeful for those things, too.” courts and access to justice for people