Strouse Calls Out Fitzpatrick, House and Congressman Pass Funding Bills

On Wednesday, Kevin Strouse, Democratic candidate for Congress in Pennsylvania’s 8th District,  issued a statement condemning Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick for the government shutdown, while the congressman and House Republicans continue to approve finding measures.

“In the past two weeks, Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick has failed to take any action to put an end to this unnecessary government shutdown,” said Strouse, “Despite his rhetoric, Congressman Fitzpatrick recklessly and irresponsibly voted with the Tea Party—putting political gain ahead of seniors, veterans and working families in Bucks and Montgomery Counties. He is part of the problem.”

Strouse addressed the revelation that the families of five service members killed over the weekend in Afghanistan, including two Army Rangers, will be denied death benefits traditionally provided to surviving families to pay for transportation and funeral arrangements,

“Now military families will struggle to pay for funeral arrangements for loved ones who sacrificed their lives for this country. This has gone too far. It’s time for Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick to stop the empty rhetoric and demand that the Speaker bring a funding bill to the floor immediately.”

Wednesday afternoon, Fitzpatrick  joined with a bipartisan majority of the House  passing legislation that allows for the families of fallen military members to receive their death benefits.

“Families of our fallen heroes should never bear the weight of financial uncertainty as they cope with the loss of a son, daughter, husband or wife,” said Fitzpatrick. “The benefits promised to families during their time of great suffering should not be affected by political inaction- this bill clearly addresses the issue and gives the government full authority to fix this wrong,  ” said Fitzpatrick.

The House continues to pass a number of measures, despite the shutdown. The Senate yesterday passed the bill to restore military death benefits.

Strouse said  the Veterans Benefits Administration announced its going to  furlough 7,000 employees and its regional offices will no longer be open to the public. For the nearly 1 million veterans in Pennsylvania, this will mean even longer delays if they are waiting for claims to be processed.

Tuition assistance may also be in jeopardy for the over 20,000 Pennsylvania service members and veterans furthering their education through the GI Bill, Strouse said

“Every day that Congress fails to act, this shutdown causes even more pain—across America, Pennsylvania, and here in the 8th District.  These veterans risked their lives for their country but Congress is unwilling to muster up the courage to tackle America’s toughest challenges,” said Strouse.

One thing is clear, the public at large are growing tired and more concerned about the way the government is working – or not in this case. A Gallup Poll released on Wednesday cites those concerns.

At press time there is a “likely” deal between House Republicans and the president to extend the debt limit ABC News is reporting, however, no agreement about a reopening of the government looks to be on the horizon.

Editors note: Statements from Congressman Fitzpatrick and Democratic Candidate Kevin Strouse were taken from issued press releases.