While Democrats cross swords, allegations and words, Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick has been busy the last several weeks in Washington and locally while he awaits the outcome of the primary next week.
Earlier this month, Fitzpatrick joined the Bucks County Opportunity Council, where he was recognized as the winner of the Community Action Association of Pennsylvania (CAAP) ‘Community Impact Award.’ The award, originally announced in Harrisburg in April, commends Fitzpatrick for his strong support of local community service efforts and introduction of the bipartisan the Community Service Block Grant Act [H.R. 3854].
Advertisements
“While there are many responsibilities associated with holding public office, surely one of the most gratifying is being in a position to lend a hand up to families, children, individuals and seniors in tough times,” said Fitzpatrick.
“With H.R. 3854, Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick continues to champion solutions to enrich the community for all residents,” Roger Collins, executive director of the Bucks County Opportunity Council, said.
On May 9, the House of Representatives passed a Fitzpatrick-backed bill that sought to reign in the National Security Agency (NSA) and its bulk data collection efforts.
Advertisements
“The House Intelligence Committee passed a version of the USA Freedom Act on Thursday, unexpectedly approving that measure while electing not to hold a vote on its own competing bill to reform National Security Agency surveillance. The version passed is the same text as cleared by the House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday. The Intelligence committee passage of the USA Freedom Act indicates that it will be the legislative vehicle for further activity in the House on surveillance reform.”
The measure, H.R. 3361 called The USA Freedom Act goes to the house for a full vote next.
Advertisements
Last Friday Fitzpatrick and House members passed the bipartisan American Research and Competitiveness Act [H.R. 4438], which would help ensure the next wave of innovation and discovery happens in the United States.
“American ingenuity has always been the key to American success,” Fitzpatrick said, adding that “his bipartisan legislation continues that tradition by ensuring that we’re doing everything we can to spur innovation and give American businesses and their employees the assistance they need to develop the ideas and technology of tomorrow’s economy.”
According to a release from the congressman, the legislation makes permanent the research and development tax credit utilized by more than 20,000 American small businesses to create jobs and increase economic growth. Originally introduced in 1981, and supported by President Ronald Reagan, the tax credit has been renewed repeatedly.
Advertisements
Earlier this week, Fitzpatrick released a statement in recognition of National Police Week after meeting with the Bucks County Police Chiefs Association:
Each year we set aside one week to specifically recognize the call to service and profound commitment to duty embodied in our law enforcement officers – both in Bucks and Montgomery counties and across the nation.
In speaking with police chiefs today I am reminded that while we honor them annually with a special week, our families and communities rely their service year-round. For many, the vital service of our local police might go without thought or fanfare. National Police Week reminds us of the importance of their duty to protect and serve – every day.
This week we also recognize the extraordinary sacrifice of those officers lost in the service of others. Whether it be ‘Blue Masses’ or the renaming of local landmarks, we must always cherish the memory of our fallen officers and strive to continue their legacy of commitment.
It is critical we support our police departments and police officers each day, in spirit and in action – even if nothing more than offering a simple ‘thank you.’ So, in recognition of National Police Week 2014, I join with grateful communities around the nation in thanking our current, former and fallen officers.
Fitzpatrick has yet to officially launch his re-election effort as he awaits the outcome of the Democratic primary. According to Federal Election Commission filings he has over 1 million dollars available in his war chest to spend on from May till November as he seeks re-election.
