Rep Brian Fitzpatrick criticizes GOP leadership on affordability, health care and foreign policy

WASHINGTON, DC: Rep Brian Fitzpatrick voiced a series of concerns about his own party's direction, criticizing the GOP leadership on issues ranging from affordability to foreign policy.

In an interview with CNN for 'Inside Politics Sunday', the Pennsylvania Republican urged colleagues to prioritize health care and cost-of-living challenges, calling them the top concerns for his district. 

Fitzpatrick, who represents a swing district that voted for Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential elections, also distanced himself from comments made by President Donald Trump.

He also raised concerns about Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's leadership style within the administration. 

Brian Fitzpatrick presses GOP on affordability and health care

Fitzpatrick said Republican lawmakers need to take stronger action on economic pressures affecting families, emphasizing the need to extend Affordable Care Act subsidies before they expire.

"If you don't have a better plan, then get on board with ours," he said in the interview. "Doing nothing is not an option," he added. 

He described affordability as the primary issue for voters in his district and across the country. "For everything from childcare, to transportation, to housing, to food, to fuel, and health care. People are squeezed right now," he said. 

When asked whether Republicans were addressing affordability adequately, Fitzpatrick responded, "I don't think they have."

He pushed back against Trump's recent dismissal of affordability concerns, saying, "I don't believe that to be true at all... No, it's real. Believe me. I hear it every day back at home. It's real."

Fitzpatrick also expressed frustration that legislation focused on lowering costs has not been prioritized.

"Every bill we bring to the floor should be focused on lowering the cost of living for people who need it most," he said, questioning why the House was instead focusing on symbolic, lower-impact measures. 

Concerns over foreign policy and military leadership

Fitzpatrick also raised concerns about the administration's handling of foreign affairs.

He criticized Trump's posture toward Russian President Vladimir Putin, saying the US should take a clearer stance.

"Vladimir Putin is an unelected dictator," he claimed. "Russia invaded Ukraine... and we have to call that out for what it is." 

He added that negotiations should not present both sides as equivalent, noting, "You cannot equivocate between, you know, Zelenskyy and Putin and say well, 'they just need to get along. They need to work it out.'"  

Fitzpatrick also questioned Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's approach to running the Pentagon, saying experience within the military should be more central to decision-making.

“I think it’s really, really important when you lead the United States military, that you do so in a way that’s deferential to the people that have higher rank and people that understand it,” he said.

“And I wish that there was more of an approach by the secretary to listen more to the people who have been there a long time,” Fitzpatrick added.

He concluded by warning that Republicans risked losing their governing advantage if they did not shift their focus.

“You don’t have opportunities in the majority very often, and when you do, you want to be able to get your legislative items that you worked your whole life to the floor,” he added.

“And I think a lot of our colleagues are frustrated that their legislation has not been brought to the floor,” he concluded.