WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-08) announced Wednesday his appointment to the House Committee on Homeland Security and the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. This dual national security assignment to two high-profile committees for a Freshman member of Congress highlights the importance of Fitzpatrick’s unparalleled background.
“There are few representatives in Congress whose professional experience prepared them as well as Brian’s,” said Speaker of the House Paul Ryan. “His new roles will give him the opportunity to help protect our nation and promote stability abroad—and I have no doubt he’ll be an asset to the Homeland Security and Foreign Affairs committees.”
“It is an honor to be named to two of the most important committees in the House as a Freshman; I am confident my background will enable me to play an active role in debating and shaping policy at such an important time in our history,” said Fitzpatrick. “To be successful in their vital missions, these committees require bipartisan cooperation and independent thinking. To that end, I look forward to working with Chairman McCaul and Ranking Member Thompson, as well as Chairman Royce and Ranking Member Engel to advance policies that protect our nation and support the values of freedom and rule of law around the globe.”
During his 14-year career as an FBI Supervisory Special Agent, Fitzpatrick worked both counterterrorism and counterintelligence operations, including as an Al-Qaeda interrogator in Operation Iraqi Freedom. His service protecting American families and freedom took him across the country and around the globe.
The Homeland Security Committee was established in 2002 to provide Congressional oversight for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and find ways to protect the American people against terror. Most recently, the Committee has passed several critical pieces of bipartisan, homeland security legislation to prevent terrorist attacks on the homeland, secure our borders, protect against cyber-attacks and address international and domestic threats. The House Committee on Foreign Affairs handles all legislation that impacts the diplomatic community, which includes the Department of State, the Agency for International Development (USAID), the Peace Corps, the United Nations, and the enforcement of the Arms Export Control Act. It often serves as the voice of Congress in guiding international policy to promote peace, freedom and human rights.
Foriegn Affairs Chairman Ed Royce: "With extensive counterterrorism and anti-corruption work during his 14 years of service at the FBI, Congressman Fitzpatrick is uniquely positioned to make a difference as we confront repressive and adversarial regimes."