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Michael Gerard Fitzpatrick (June 28, 1963 – January 6, 2020) was an American attorney and politician who served as a Republican member of the United States House of Representatives, representing Pennsylvania's 8th congressional district from 2005 to 2007 and 2011 to 2017. He was first elected to Congress in 2004 and represented the district from 2005 to 2007, but he was defeated by Democrat Patrick Murphy in 2006.

Key Information

He declined to run for his old seat in 2008 but ran again in 2010, and won a rematch with Murphy. He was re-elected in 2012 and 2014. A supporter of term limits, he did not seek re-election in 2016 and was replaced by his brother Brian. He was considered a moderate Republican, and consistently ranked among the most bipartisan members of Congress.[2]

Early life, education and law career

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Fitzpatrick was born in Philadelphia and raised in Bucks County.[3][4] He graduated from Bishop Egan High School, now Conwell-Egan Catholic High School, in Fairless Hills. He moved to Florida to attend St. Thomas University with an academic scholarship where he earned his bachelor's degree in 1985 from the school's honors program.[5][6]

He earned his J.D. degree from the Dickinson School of Law at Penn State University. He was named business manager of the Dickinson Journal of International Law. After graduating law school in 1988, Fitzpatrick was admitted to the practice of law in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.[5]

Bucks County Commission (1995–2005)

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In January 1995, Fitzpatrick was appointed to the Bucks County Board of Commissioners by an 11-member panel of county judges. The appointment was made to fill the unexpired term of Mark Schweiker, who had been elected lieutenant governor.[5]

Fitzpatrick, who was an attorney at a firm active in county affairs, was the candidate preferred by county Republican Party leaders.[7]

The appointment was not without controversy, however, as some claimed the judges had acted solely on the recommendation of the county Republican Party.[8]

As Commissioner, Fitzpatrick oversaw social agencies, coordinated the response of local governments to emergencies, preserved open space, and responded to regional issues. Fitzpatrick supported a $7 million information-technology project to upgrade the county's communication and outreach abilities in light of the Information Age.[9]

U.S. House of Representatives (2005–2007)

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Elections

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2004

In July 2004, popular moderate Republican James C. Greenwood of Pennsylvania's 8th congressional district unexpectedly withdrew from his re-election campaign. In the party convention held to select Greenwood's replacement on the ballot, the more conservative Fitzpatrick won the nomination over Greenwood's choice, state Senator Joe Conti, thanks to the backing of Bucks County Republican Party boss Harry Fawkes. Fitzpatrick went on to face liberal activist Virginia Schrader in the general election.[10][11] Fitzpatrick won the general election against Schrader 55%–44%, with the remaining vote split between two minor candidates.[12] The district included all of Bucks County, a sliver of Montgomery County, and parts of two wards in Northeast Philadelphia.[citation needed]

2006
See also: United States House of Representatives elections in Pennsylvania, 2006 § 8th Congressional district

Fitzpatrick faced Democrat Patrick Murphy in the November general election of 2006. In January 2006, Fitzpatrick said he had donated to charity the $21,500 he received from political action committees headed by U.S. Representatives Bob Ney (R-OH), Tom DeLay, (R-TX), and Randy "Duke" Cunningham (R-CA).[13]

Fitzpatrick was endorsed by several environmental groups including the Sierra Club. He was the only incumbent Republican congressman in Pennsylvania who had the support of the environmentalist lobby during this election. The Cook Political Report rated the race as "Leans Republican". However, Congressional Quarterly pegged the contest as a "Toss-up". A poll released at the end of October showed Fitzpatrick trailing Murphy by three percentage points.[14]

In the end, the election was decided by less than one percentage point, with Fitzpatrick initially trailing by just over 1,500 votes out of nearly 250,000 cast. On November 8, with all precincts reporting, Murphy led by 1,521 votes. Philadelphia television station NBC 10 later reported that Fitzpatrick had conceded the election to Murphy.[15] He along with Mike Sodrel (R-IN) and Joe Schwarz (R-MI) were the only freshman Republicans to be defeated in 2006 (Schwarz in the primary).[citation needed]

Tenure

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In May 2006, Fitzpatrick introduced the Deleting Online Predators Act of 2006, which requires most schools and libraries to actively restrict minors from access to "Commercial Social Networking Websites" and "Chat Rooms". In late July, the "DOPA Act" overwhelmingly passed the House. Speaking before the vote was taken, Fitzpatrick said, "The social networking sites have become, in a sense, a happy hunting ground for child predators".[16]

Committee assignments

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Fitzpatrick served on the United States House Committee on Financial Services and the United States House Committee on Small Business.

Inter-congressional career (2007–2011)

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After the loss to Murphy, Fitzpatrick re-entered the practice of law, taking a position with Middletown Township law firm—and major Republican Party contributor[17]—Begley, Carlin, and Mandio.[18][19]

In the fall of 2007, the Bucks County Commissioners asked Fitzpatrick, along with former Commissioner Andy Warren and former Common Pleas Judge William Hart Rufe to co-chair an effort to pass a ballot initiative authorizing the county to borrow $87 million for open space preservation.[20] The initiative, which was also endorsed by Congressman Murphy, passed by a large margin.

2008
See also: United States House of Representatives elections in Pennsylvania, 2008 § 8th Congressional district

Throughout 2007, there was much speculation that Fitzpatrick would seek to reclaim the seat in Congress that he lost to Murphy.[21] Fitzpatrick laid the rumors to rest in January 2008 by announcing that he would not be running for Congress, but instead would challenge freshman State Representative Chris King in the 142nd District.[citation needed]

Despite charges by some Democrats that he was "afraid to run against Murphy because he knows he would lose", Fitzpatrick claimed that he was interested in the job because of his "passion ... in solving local problems and serving the local community", as well as a desire to "change the way business is done in Harrisburg."[22]

However, a cancer diagnosis forced Fitzpatrick to end his bid for the State House in early February.[citation needed] Fitzpatrick yielded his spot on the ballot to Republican activist Frank Farry (who went on to win the seat), and supported Doylestown pharmaceutical company executive Thomas Manion for the congressional seat he once held.[citation needed]

U.S. House of Representatives (2011–2017)

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Elections

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2010
See also: United States House of Representatives elections in Pennsylvania, 2010 § District 8

On January 23, 2010, Fitzpatrick announced he would once again run for his old seat in the House of Representatives.[23] He pledged that if elected, he would only serve for a maximum of three more terms, for a total of four terms. He described Washington, D.C. as "a town of embedded politicians" with a seniority system that "rewards congressmen for political careers lasting decades and encourages members to serve in perpetuity." He called for "real reform of house rules and procedures" and "congressional term limits."[24]

He won the Republican nomination with 77% of the vote in the May primary.[25] A Franklin and Marshall poll taken in mid-September 2010 suggested the race was leaning towards Fitzpatrick at that time.

On November 2, Fitzpatrick defeated Murphy and was elected the Congressman for the 8th district.[26] On November 2, 2010, Fitzpatrick defeated Murphy by 53.5% to 46.5% to reclaim his old seat. He was sworn in on January 5, 2011, and has joined the Republican Main Street Partnership.

2012
See also: United States House of Representatives elections in Pennsylvania, 2012 § District 8

Fitzpatrick defeated Kathy Boockvar 57%–43%.[27]

2014
See also: United States House of Representatives elections in Pennsylvania, 2014 § District 8

Before the election, Fitzpatrick reiterated a pledge he made in 2010[24] that this will be his last re-election bid, due to self-imposed term limits.[28] In the Democratic primary, former Army Ranger Kevin Strouse defeated businesswoman Shaughnessy Naughton. Fitzpatrick defeated Strouse in the general election. After he won, he again confirmed that he would not run for re-election in 2016.[29]

Fitzpatrick's younger brother, Brian, a lawyer and former FBI supervisory special agent in California, moved back to Pennsylvania to run for his brother's seat. Brian Fitzpatrick won the election on November 8, 2016.

Tenure

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On January 5, 2011, Fitzpatrick failed to attend the swearing-in ceremony for members [why?] and attempted to take the oath-of-office remotely at a reception.[30] However, House rules require that the oath be taken within proximity of the Speaker.[30] The oath was administered the following day, but two votes that he cast prior to taking the oath were nullified according to the Constitution.[31][32]

Some activists contended the reception was a fundraiser and called for an investigation by the House Ethics Committee.[33][34]

A spokesperson for Fitzpatrick denied the event was a fundraiser and asserted that donations made went to cover the cost of campaign-provided buses to Washington.[35]

Fitzpatrick supported reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act.[36]

On January 5, 2016, the House Committee on Financial Services reauthorized the Task Force to Investigate Terrorism Financing with Fitzpatrick as Chairman and Stephen F. Lynch (D-MA) as Ranking Member.[37]

Over the course of a two-year period, the Task Force investigated the financial mechanisms used to fund terrorist activities, specifically the vulnerabilities of the global financial system, trade-based money laundering, assistance for developing world, and the sale and trafficking of illicit goods.[38]

Since December 2014, Fitzpatrick has been a leading voice in Congress on medical device safety. He has pressed the FDA after dangerous medical devices remained in use after causing serious injury and death.[39]

On June 8, 2016, Fitzpatrick and Representative Louise Slaughter (D-NY) introduced two bills to reform the medical device review and approval process. The first bill, Ariel Grace's Law, would allow victims of dangerous medical devices to seek legal recourse. The second bill, the Medical Device Guardians Act, would require physicians to identify and report unsafe medical devices and would protect them from having their reports used against them in a civil court.[40]

Fitzpatrick was ranked as the 10th most bipartisan member of the U.S. House of Representatives during the 114th United States Congress (and the most bipartisan member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Pennsylvania) in the Bipartisan Index created by The Lugar Center and the McCourt School of Public Policy that ranks members of the United States Congress by their degree of bipartisanship (by measuring the frequency each member's bills attract co-sponsors from the opposite party and each member's co-sponsorship of bills by members of the opposite party).[41]

Committee assignments

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Personal life and death

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Fitzpatrick and his wife Kathleen, a high school science teacher, lived in Levittown, Pennsylvania, with their six children.[6][4]

He was affiliated with the Washington Crossing Council of the Boy Scouts of America and was a member of the Temple Lower Bucks Hospital Board of Directors, the Conwell-Egan Catholic Board of Advisors, the Knights of Columbus, the Levittown Bristol Kiwanis Club, the Ancient Order of Hibernians and the Brehon Law Society. He was an Eagle Scout from the Bucks County Council and former president of that council, and was honored with the Silver Beaver Award for his services to Scouting.[42][43]

Fitzpatrick was diagnosed with colon cancer in June 2008. He reported five months later that the cancer went into remission after chemotherapy.[44]

Fitzpatrick died from melanoma at his home in Levittown on January 6, 2020, at age 56.[3][6][4]

References

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Sources

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Mike Fitzpatrick

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Michael Gerard Fitzpatrick (June 28, 1963 – January 6, 2020) was an American attorney and Republican politician who represented in the for nonconsecutive terms from 2005 to 2007 and 2011 to 2017. Born in and educated at St. (B.A., 1985) and Dickinson School of Law (J.D., 1988), Fitzpatrick practiced law before entering public service as a Bucks County from 1995 to 2004, where he focused on fiscal responsibility and local . Elected to in 2004 amid a Republican wave, he lost reelection in 2006 to Democrat Patrick but reclaimed the seat in the midterm elections, serving on committees including Financial Services and Transportation and . Known for a pragmatic, district-focused approach in a competitive swing district, Fitzpatrick introduced addressing child online exploitation (H.R. 5319) and medical device approvals, while advocating for increased funding for following his own battle with . He declined to seek reelection in 2016, succeeded by his brother Brian Fitzpatrick, and died of cancer complications in 2020.

Early life and pre-political career

Family background and upbringing

Michael G. Fitzpatrick was born on June 28, 1963, in , , to parents Jim and Mary Fitzpatrick. As the eldest of eight children, he grew up in a large Catholic family that emphasized faith and service. Fitzpatrick was raised primarily in , , where his family resided long-term and he attended local institutions. His upbringing was shaped by strong familial values, including participation in the Boy Scouts of America, where he achieved the rank of . This environment, rooted in community involvement and religious principles at Queen of the Universe Parish, influenced his early commitment to .

Education

Michael G. Fitzpatrick graduated from Bishop Egan High School in . He earned a bachelor's degree from St. Thomas University in , in 1985, while working to support himself through school. Fitzpatrick then attended the Dickinson School of Law at , receiving his in 1988. Fitzpatrick received his degree from the Dickinson School of Law in 1988. Following graduation, he was admitted to the bars of and , enabling him to practice law in both states. He commenced a career in private legal practice in , where he worked at firms such as Begley, Carlin & Mandio. In his early professional roles, Fitzpatrick represented a range of clients including individuals, small businesses, and local governmental entities, with his practice centered in the Bucks County area. Prior to entering county-level office, he also served as a for Middletown , an elected position that provided initial experience in local governance alongside his legal work. By , at age 31, he was recognized locally as a practicing attorney from Middletown when appointed to fill a vacancy on the Bucks County Board of Commissioners.

Local government service

Election to Bucks County Board of Commissioners

In 1995, at age 31, Michael G. Fitzpatrick was appointed by the Bucks County Court of Common Pleas to the three-member Board of Commissioners to fill the vacancy created by Mark Schweiker's election as . The appointment positioned Fitzpatrick, a Republican attorney with prior unsuccessful bids for state representative in 1990 and 1994, as the board's Republican member alongside Democrat Sandra Miller. Fitzpatrick quickly sought election to retain the seat. In the May 16, 1995, Republican primary, he secured easy victory over challengers, benefiting from incumbency and party endorsement amid a thinned field of candidates. The general election that confirmed his position, launching a decade-long tenure focused on and local governance reforms.

Tenure and key initiatives (1995–2005)

Fitzpatrick was appointed to the Bucks County Board of Commissioners in 1995 by a panel of county judges to fill an unexpired term following the resignation of a prior commissioner. He served through 2004, during which the board managed a Republican-majority emphasizing fiscal restraint and local . A primary focus of his tenure involved modernizing operations to improve efficiency, including streamlining administrative processes amid growing suburban demands in Bucks County. Fitzpatrick consistently advocated for balanced budgets that stabilized county finances without broad service cuts, presenting annual plans that prioritized debt reduction and controlled spending growth. He championed open space preservation as a counter to rapid development pressures, supporting voter-approved initiatives that funded land acquisition and conservation. In 1997, Bucks County residents approved a $59 million bond for open space efforts, enabling the protection of thousands of acres of farmland, parks, and natural habitats during his service. Overall, these programs under his advocacy contributed to preserving more than 11,000 acres, earning recognition from local conservation groups for sustaining agricultural viability and recreational areas. Economically, Fitzpatrick led the establishment of Bucks County's first Enterprise Zone, designating areas for tax incentives to attract businesses and foster job growth; this initiative generated approximately 4,000 positions in small businesses and manufacturing over the decade. He also emphasized holding increases to minimal levels where possible, though selective referendums for and preservation occasionally required modest hikes approved by voters, reflecting a pragmatic approach to funding priorities in a fiscally conservative framework.

U.S. House of Representatives: First term (2005–2007)

2004 congressional election

The 2004 election for Pennsylvania's 8th congressional district was for an open seat after incumbent Republican Jim Greenwood retired to enter the private sector. Michael G. Fitzpatrick, a Republican serving on the Bucks County Board of Commissioners since 1995, secured the party's nomination in the May 18 primary, facing no significant opposition./) The Democratic nominee was Virginia Waters Schrader, a retired insurance company vice president and counsel who had won a competitive primary. The general election campaign centered on local issues including property taxes, , and suburban concerns in encompassing Bucks, Montgomery, and parts of counties. Fitzpatrick positioned himself as a fiscal conservative emphasizing open-minded , while Schrader highlighted her executive experience and criticized Republican policies on healthcare and the environment. The race drew national attention as a potential Democratic pickup in a competitive , with both campaigns raising substantial funds—Fitzpatrick over $1 million and Schrader nearly $800,000 through the cycle. On , , Fitzpatrick defeated Schrader, capturing 183,229 votes (55.31 percent) to her 143,427 votes (43.3 percent), with Libertarian Arthur L. Farnsworth receiving the remainder. The victory margin of approximately 40,000 votes reflected strong Republican turnout amid George W. Bush's statewide win, marking Fitzpatrick's entry to for the 109th session beginning , 2005.

Committee assignments

During his first term in the (2005–2007), Mike Fitzpatrick served on the and the . On the , Fitzpatrick was assigned to the Subcommittee on Capital Markets, Insurance, and Government Sponsored Enterprises; the Subcommittee on Housing and Community Opportunity; and the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations. On the Small Business Committee, he served on the Subcommittee on Tax, Finance, and Exports and the Subcommittee on Workforce, Empowerment, and Government Programs. These assignments aligned with Fitzpatrick's background in and , focusing on , housing, and regulatory oversight relevant to Pennsylvania's suburban districts.

Legislative record and voting patterns

Fitzpatrick served on the House Committee on Homeland Security and the Committee on during his first term. His legislative activity focused on protections and enhancements, earning him the National Federation of Independent Business's "Guardian of " award for supporting measures to reduce regulatory burdens and promote economic growth for entrepreneurs in the 109th . He sponsored H.R. 5883, the Sesquicentennial Commemoration Act, enacted on December 9, 2006, to recognize the site's historical role in the U.S. . Additionally, he cosponsored bipartisan initiatives, including H.R. 1245, Johanna's Law, on May 12, 2005, which authorized expanded research and awareness programs for . Fitzpatrick's voting record aligned closely with Republican leadership on fiscal conservatism and national security. He voted in favor of the USA PATRIOT Improvement and Reauthorization Act of 2005 (H.R. 3199) on December 14, 2005, supporting extensions of surveillance and intelligence-gathering provisions amid post-9/11 security priorities. On trade, he supported the Dominican Republic-Central America-United States Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR), casting a yes vote on July 28, 2005, arguing it advanced U.S. economic interests and market access for American exports despite opposition from labor and some district stakeholders. As a representative of a politically competitive district, Fitzpatrick exhibited moderate tendencies, occasionally diverging from strict party lines on environmental and social issues, though specific deviations in the 109th were limited compared to core GOP priorities like deficit reduction and funding. His overall party unity reflected typical freshman Republican alignment, prioritizing economic stability and security over more progressive reforms.

2006 re-election defeat

In the 2006 United States House of Representatives elections held on November 7, Democrat Patrick Murphy defeated incumbent Republican Mike Fitzpatrick in by a narrow margin of 575 votes. Murphy received 132,628 votes (50.02 percent), while Fitzpatrick garnered 132,053 votes (49.98 percent). The district, encompassing Bucks and Montgomery counties, saw Fitzpatrick maintain a slim lead in Bucks County by 1,036 votes, but Murphy prevailed in Montgomery County by 1,564 votes, tipping the overall result. The race reflected broader national trends in the midterms, where Democrats gained 31 House seats amid widespread voter dissatisfaction with the , President George W. Bush's approval ratings below 40 percent, and Republican involvement in scandals such as the page controversy. Fitzpatrick, a freshman representative who had won the open seat in 2004 by emphasizing local environmental and , faced challenges from his support for the surge and alignment with Bush administration policies, which alienated moderate voters in the swing district. , a 32-year-old West Point graduate and serving as a in the , campaigned on responsibly ending the war, cutting wasteful spending, and leveraging his military credentials to appeal to security-conscious independents and crossover Republicans. Fitzpatrick conceded defeat on November 9, 2006, in an emotional , acknowledging the outcome after provisional ballots confirmed Murphy's victory and describing the loss as a "watershed event" in Bucks County politics. Independent analyses attributed the defeat to the Democratic national wave rather than district-specific anomalies, with turnout favoring urban Montgomery County precincts and Murphy's grassroots mobilization outpacing Fitzpatrick's in key suburbs. The result flipped the district from Republican to Democratic control, contributing to the party's majority.

Inter-congressional activities (2007–2011)

Private sector return and law practice

After his unsuccessful re-election bid in November 2006, Fitzpatrick returned to private legal practice in early 2007, joining the Bucks County firm Begley, Carlin & Mandio, LLP, in Langhorne, Pennsylvania. The firm, where he had previously worked before entering county-level politics, specialized in areas including municipal law, estate planning, family law, and litigation. During this period, Fitzpatrick represented a range of clients, encompassing individuals, family-owned businesses, municipal corporations, and larger organizations, drawing on his prior experience as a Bucks County commissioner to handle matters involving and regulatory issues. His practice emphasized practical, client-focused advocacy in civil litigation, banking, and corporate matters, maintaining a low public profile while preparing for a potential political comeback. This return to the allowed him to sustain his professional roots in the community he had long served, without reported involvement in high-profile cases or shifts in firm partnerships during the intervening years.

Political engagement and 2010 comeback

Following his defeat in the , Fitzpatrick remained engaged in Bucks County Republican politics while focusing primarily on his legal career. On January 24, , shortly after Republican Scott Brown's upset victory in the special —which galvanized national GOP momentum—Fitzpatrick announced his candidacy to challenge Democratic Patrick Murphy for seat he had held from 2005 to 2007. In the Republican primary on May 18, 2010, Fitzpatrick secured the nomination, defeating challengers Diane Dalphonse, Marc Duca, and William Hoffman, who positioned themselves as more conservative alternatives amid dissatisfaction with national economic policies including the bank bailout and stimulus package. Fitzpatrick's general election campaign emphasized fiscal conservatism, opposition to the Affordable Care Act, and local issues such as open space preservation. On November 2, 2010, he defeated Murphy in a rematch of their 2006 contest, securing a decisive victory with 54.4% of the vote (134,943 votes) to Murphy's 45.6% (113,169 votes), reclaiming the district amid the Republican wave that year.

U.S. House of Representatives: Second term (2011–2017)

2010 congressional election

Fitzpatrick, a former one-term Republican representative who lost re-election in 2006 to Democrat Patrick Murphy, announced his candidacy for a comeback in on January 24, 2010. The district, encompassing Bucks and Montgomery counties north of , had shifted toward Democrats in recent cycles but faced headwinds from national dissatisfaction with Democratic control of and President Obama's policies. In the Republican primary held on May 18, 2010, Fitzpatrick secured the nomination with strong support in Bucks County, facing only nominal opposition from challenger Gloria Carlineo, whom he defeated decisively. , the incumbent, won the Democratic primary unopposed. The general election campaign highlighted contrasts on fiscal issues, with Fitzpatrick criticizing 's support for the and emphasizing spending restraint amid the post-2008 ; polls in September and October showed Fitzpatrick leading by double digits in some surveys. On November 2, 2010, Fitzpatrick defeated in the general , reclaiming the seat with 126,404 votes (54.1%) to Murphy's 109,157 (45.9%), a margin of over 17,000 votes. The victory aligned with the Republican Party's nationwide gains in the 2010 midterms, capturing 63 House seats amid voter backlash against Democratic economic and policies. Fitzpatrick's campaign emphasized local priorities like open space preservation alongside national conservative themes, contributing to his appeal in the suburban district.

Committee assignments

During his first term in the (2005–2007), Mike Fitzpatrick served on the House Committee on and the House Committee on . On the Committee, Fitzpatrick was assigned to the Subcommittee on Capital Markets, Insurance, and Government Sponsored Enterprises; the Subcommittee on Housing and Community Opportunity; and the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations. On the Small Business Committee, he served on the Subcommittee on Tax, Finance, and Exports and the Subcommittee on Workforce, Empowerment, and Government Programs. These assignments aligned with Fitzpatrick's background in and , focusing on , housing, and regulatory oversight relevant to Pennsylvania's suburban districts.

Legislative achievements and key bills

Fitzpatrick sponsored and cosponsored numerous bills during his second term, focusing on , access, regulatory reform for medical devices, and enhancements. His legislative efforts often emphasized bipartisan approaches to address practical vulnerabilities in existing systems, drawing from his committee roles on , Transportation and , and . While few of his sponsored bills became law—a common outcome given the low enactment rate for introduced legislation (typically under 5% per Congress)—several advanced through the or garnered significant support, highlighting his priorities in protecting public safety and reducing bureaucratic delays. A prominent example was the Saracini Aviation Safety Act of 2013 (H.R. 1775, 113th Congress), named after passengers Victor and Ed Saracini who died in the . The bill mandated secondary barriers for cockpit doors on commercial aircraft, expanded flight deck security training, and required inspections to prevent unauthorized access, addressing gaps exposed in post-9/11 aviation protocols. It passed the unanimously on July 8, 2014 (410-2 vote) but did not advance in the Senate. In health policy, Fitzpatrick introduced the Breast Cancer Recovery Improvement Act (H.R. 1902, 113th Congress) on May 9, 2013, to amend the Public Health Service Act and expand Medicare and private insurance coverage for breast reconstruction procedures, including revisions and implants, aiming to reduce financial barriers for survivors and improve reconstructive outcomes. The measure received committee consideration but did not pass. Complementing this, in June 2016, he partnered with Rep. Louise Slaughter (D-NY) to introduce bipartisan bills reforming the FDA's medical device premarket approval process, including provisions to expedite reviews for innovative devices while strengthening post-market surveillance to protect patients from faulty implants—a response to real-world cases of device failures causing injuries. These efforts underscored his advocacy for victims of defective medical products, though the specific bills (H.R. 5111 and related) advanced to committee hearings without full enactment. On , Fitzpatrick sponsored H.R. 1122 (114th ), the Strengthening Homeland Security, Intelligence, and Essential Departments Act, to bolster funding and coordination for efforts, reflecting his role in investigating threats like the bombing. The bill progressed in committee but stalled amid broader appropriations debates. His work also included cosponsoring the (H.R. 34, 114th ), which passed the in 2015 and became law in December 2016, accelerating FDA approvals for treatments and funding —aligning with his push for efficient regulatory frameworks. Overall, Fitzpatrick's record reflects targeted interventions grounded in constituent and needs, with success measured more in policy influence and House advancements than final enactments.

Voting record on major issues

Fitzpatrick consistently opposed the Patient Protection and (ACA), voting against its passage in 2010 and supporting multiple repeal efforts during his second term, including the 2015 Restoring Americans' Healthcare Freedom Reconciliation Act, which aimed to dismantle key provisions like the and subsidies. He also backed amendments requiring congressional approval for ACA regulations and criticized its implementation for disrupting employer-provided insurance, as seen in his 2013 letter to President Obama regarding impacts on local businesses. On fiscal matters, he adhered to the for Taxpayer Protection Pledge, opposing net increases, and voted for the 2013 fiscal cliff compromise that preserved most Bush-era cuts while raising rates on high earners to avert automatic spending cuts. Fitzpatrick supported Paul Ryan's budget resolutions, including the 2011 version proposing Medicare restructuring via premium support and $6 trillion in spending reductions over a decade, aligning with efforts to prioritize federal spending and reduce deficits. Regarding and , he voted in favor of the , authorizing 700 miles of border fencing to enhance enforcement. On gun rights, Fitzpatrick opposed liability expansions for manufacturers and sellers, voting yes on the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act in 2005 to shield them from certain lawsuits, and supported recreational access bills like the Sportsmen's Heritage and Recreational Enhancement Act in 2016. On social issues, he took pro-life positions, voting to ban federal health coverage including services in 2011 and to protect conscience rights against mandates for abortion-related procedures in 2016. Environmentally, Fitzpatrick voted to bar EPA regulations on gases in 2011, favoring market-based approaches like clean coal development over federal mandates. His Heritage Action lifetime score of 40% reflected a moderate record, ranking him left of most House Republicans per GovTrack ideology metrics.

2014 and 2016 elections; retirement decision

In the 2014 election for , held on , Fitzpatrick defeated Democratic challenger Kevin Strouse, a former Army Ranger and intelligence officer, by a margin of 56.1% to 43.9%, with Fitzpatrick receiving 142,660 votes to Strouse's 111,052. The contest was rated as "Likely Republican" by forecasters, reflecting the district's Republican lean despite its competitive history, and Fitzpatrick's campaign emphasized his legislative record on and local projects. Strouse, who had lost a prior bid for the seat in a 2014 special election, focused on national Democratic themes like income inequality, but Fitzpatrick maintained a fundraising advantage, raising over $1.2 million compared to Strouse's $800,000. Following his 2014 victory, Fitzpatrick announced on night that the term would be his last, adhering to his long-standing advocacy for congressional term limits, which he had supported since his initial campaign. A proponent of a limiting House members to three terms, Fitzpatrick framed the decision as fulfilling a personal pledge to avoid career politicians, stating it allowed him to focus on family and contributions after over a decade in . He did not seek re-election in , opening the seat to a competitive primary won by his brother, Brian Fitzpatrick, a former FBI agent, who succeeded him as a Republican representative. The retirement was not linked to health issues at the time of announcement, though Fitzpatrick had been managing colon cancer since ; his decision aligned with broader trends among the GOP's wave freshmen exiting amid congressional .

Political positions and controversies

Fiscal and economic policies

Fitzpatrick advocated for reducing the size and scope of the federal government, emphasizing fiscal restraint to address rising national debt. He supported the budget plan in April 2011, which proposed Medicare reforms, tax cuts, and spending reductions aimed at balancing the budget over time. In May 2013, he voted to prioritize spending in the event of a breach, directing payments first to Social Security, , debt interest, and other essential obligations. On taxation, Fitzpatrick signed the Taxpayer Protection Pledge sponsored by Grover Norquist's , committing not to raise individual or corporate rates or introduce new taxes netting over $1 in without offsetting reductions. He favored reforming the tax code by eliminating loopholes and implementing a flat tax system to promote . In 2013, he voted for the fiscal cliff compromise legislation, which permanently extended most Bush-era tax cuts from 2001 and 2003 while allowing rates to rise on high-income earners and increasing the estate tax exemption. Regarding the debt ceiling, Fitzpatrick opposed unconditional increases, arguing in May 2011 for spending cuts before further borrowing and criticizing proposals as a "blank check" to the administration. However, he endorsed a bipartisan debt ceiling agreement in August 2011, which raised the limit to avert default while incorporating $917 billion in spending cuts over a decade and mechanisms for additional reductions. In 2015, he voted against a budget resolution that suspended the debt ceiling until March 2017 without immediate offsets, joining most Republicans in opposition despite the bill's passage. Fitzpatrick's legislative efforts included the "Better Jobs, More Opportunity" plan in 2014, a package of bipartisan bills to bolster small businesses, reduce regulatory burdens, and stimulate employment through tax incentives and workforce training. His relatively low 40% lifetime score from for America reflected a moderate approach, prioritizing in a swing district over strict ideological adherence.

Social and cultural issues

Fitzpatrick maintained a pro-life stance on , consistently opposing federal funding for procedures that included elective abortions, as evidenced by his vote in favor of banning such coverage in in November 2009. He also voted against permitting federal funding for human embryonic stem cell in May 2005, aligning with restrictions on involving the destruction of embryos. The rated him at 100% for his pro-life voting record during the 112th Congress (2011–2013). Regarding firearms, Fitzpatrick supported protections for gun manufacturers and owners, voting in favor of prohibiting lawsuits against gun manufacturers for crimes committed with their products in October 2005. The National Rifle Association awarded him an "A" rating and contributed $6,950 to his campaigns, reflecting his defense of Second Amendment rights. Following the December 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, however, he endorsed expanded universal background checks for firearm purchases, breaking from stricter gun rights orthodoxy and drawing endorsements from gun control advocates like Mayors Against Illegal Guns. On issues pertaining to and , Fitzpatrick opposed enhanced federal enforcement against hate crimes motivated by anti-gay bias, voting against the relevant provision in the Local Law Enforcement Enhancement Act in April 2009. The rated his record at 0% for the 111th Congress (2009–2010), citing his resistance to expanded protections for LGBT individuals. He supported the reauthorization of the in 2013, which included provisions extending services to same-sex couples, though this vote did not alter his overall conservative positioning on family-related cultural matters.

Criticisms from ideological flanks

Fitzpatrick encountered rebukes from conservative purists for his perceived moderation in a swing district, earning the "RINO" (Republican In Name Only) moniker from Tea Party proponents who viewed him as insufficiently ideological and prioritized replacing such figures with harder-line alternatives. His lifetime score of 40% fell below the average for House Republicans, reflecting votes that deviated from strict fiscal and regulatory . The faulted him among 2010 freshman Republicans for straying from campaign pledges on key pro-growth issues like taxes and spending restraint, despite support for elements such as the Ryan budget. Tea Party groups specifically condemned his 2013 vote to resolve the without demanding Obamacare defunding, seeing it as capitulation to Democratic priorities. Liberals and Democrats assailed Fitzpatrick's staunch opposition to the , including over 50 House votes to repeal or defund it, which they contended undermined health coverage for millions and prioritized ideology over constituent needs. Challenger Kevin Strouse accused him of enabling Tea Party extremism by backing shutdown tactics tied to ACA cuts, arguing it paralyzed governance in a vulnerable district. Liberal Super PACs protested his public statements on Obama administration policies as echoing unfounded Tea Party conspiracies, staging demonstrations outside his office in 2012. Environmental advocates critiqued his resistance to cap-and-trade mechanisms and other regulatory measures on emissions, despite occasional bipartisan gestures like co-sponsoring climate resolution bills, deeming his record inadequate for addressing climate risks.

Later life, health, and death

Post-Congress activities

Following his departure from on January 3, 2017, Fitzpatrick resumed the private practice of law. In February 2017, he joined the office of Obermayer Rebmann Maxwell & Hippel LLP, a firm with approximately 120 attorneys, as a partner in the litigation department. In this role, Fitzpatrick leveraged his prior legal experience, which included over 20 years representing clients in civil matters before entering , to handle litigation cases. Colleagues later described him as a valued partner during this period.

Cancer battle and advocacy

Fitzpatrick was diagnosed with stage III colorectal cancer in June 2008, following symptoms he initially overlooked amid a busy schedule. He underwent nine months of chemotherapy and achieved remission by late 2009. His personal experience with fueled advocacy for increased federal funding for the (NIH) and initiatives during his congressional tenure. In 2014, he received the Congressional Champion Award from the Coalition for a Cure and the Coalition of Cancer Cooperative Groups, recognizing his commitment to amplifying the voices of cancer patients, survivors, and researchers in . Fitzpatrick shared his survivor story publicly, including in reports from the , emphasizing the importance of early screening and support for medical research to advance treatments. Subsequent health challenges included a 1998 diagnosis of , a , treated when his children were young, as well as and recurrences prompting surgery in 2016 after routine screening. Post-retirement in 2017, he faced a prolonged battle with , which recurred persistently despite treatments. Throughout these struggles, Fitzpatrick continued encouraging fellow survivors, stressing that they were not alone in their experiences.

Death and tributes

Michael G. Fitzpatrick died on January 6, 2020, at his home in , at the age of 56, following a prolonged battle with . His announced that he passed away peacefully that morning, surrounded by loved ones. Fitzpatrick's death came after years of advocacy for , informed by his own prior experience as a survivor and a history marked by multiple cases, including both parents, four grandparents, and a sister affected by the disease. Tributes poured in from political colleagues across party lines, highlighting Fitzpatrick's reputation for and . U.S. Senator described him as having served and the country with "great integrity, competence, and dignity." Former Pennsylvania Governor called Fitzpatrick a "fine public servant," noting the loss to Bucks County and the state. His younger brother, incumbent U.S. Representative Brian Fitzpatrick, who succeeded him in , expressed profound personal grief, stating, "My heart is broken. My big brother Mike was my hero and my best friend ever since we were kids." The U.S. held a formal tribute to Fitzpatrick on , 2020, including a 10-minute on the floor followed by a reception, underscoring his ability to collaborate across ideological divides despite his Republican affiliation. Hundreds attended his funeral Mass on , 2020, at Queen of the Universe Church in Middletown Township, Pennsylvania, reflecting community mourning for his contributions. He was interred at Washington Crossing National Cemetery in .

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