Brian Fitzpatrick speaking about his FOP endorsement Thursday in Wrightstown.
Credit: Tom Sofield/NewtownPANow.com
Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick released a statement Friday afternoon shortly after the Republican-backed health care plan was pulled before a vote.
The Republican freshman congressman had the following to say after Friday’s news:
As I have said: ‘The Affordable Care Act is broken in many areas and desperately needs to be fixed or replaced with a system that works better for everyone.’ That should be the goal for any lawmaker, regardless of party. We have the opportunity to make needed reforms to lower costs and increase access to health care – let’s take the time, and do the work, to get it right. That means addressing several concerns including services for opioid addiction prevention, treatment, and recovery.
Fitzpatrick made headlines last Sunday when he announced he would not support the American Health Care Act that was backed by President Donald Trump and House Speaker Paul Ryan, both Republicans.
On Friday afternoon, a rally for the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, was being held outside Fitzpatrick’s office at One Summit Trace in Middletown. A reporter outside said there were some cheers from those at the rally and several commented on their appreciation for Fitzpatrick not supporting the American Health Care Act.
As the week moved closer to a potential vote on an Obamacare replacement moved closer, it was clear that support for the American Health Care Act from Republicans was declining. The Hill reported that close to 20 Republican congress members said they wouldn’t support the Obamacare replacement in its current form.
Fitzpatrick’s office said the congressman has talked with patients, physicians, industry professionals, and local stakeholders on health care reform since taking his seat in January.
