WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-08) issued a statement Tuesday evening following the president’s 2018 State of the Union address:

“What is needed now more than ever is for our nation to come together, both Democrat and Republican, to tackle serious challenges facing our nation.  What’s more, is that we do so in a civil, dignified manner that is becoming of American values, viewing those with different viewpoints as a strength to be harnessed, not a quality to be criticized.  It is my hope that the President will embrace the bipartisan Problem Solver’s Caucus in 2018 as the vehicle for solutions that will unite our great nation.   Each one of us look forward to working with the Administration on a wide range of issues, from tackling the opioid epidemic, to growing our economy, to fixing an inherently broken system in Washington, D.C.  Let’s get to work.”

In the address, the president threw his enthusiastic support behind Fitzpatrick’s Right to Try Act, saying:

"We also believe that patients with terminal conditions, terminal illness, should have access to experimental treatment immediately that could potentially save their lives. People who are terminally ill should not have to go from country to country to seek a cure. I want to give them a chance right here at home. It’s  time for Congress to give these wonderful, incredible Americans the right to try."

The legislation would ensure that terminally ill patients, together with their physicians, and pharmaceutical manufacturers are allowed to administer investigational treatments where no alternative exists. Fitzpatrick’s guest at the State of the Union was US Navy LCDR (Ret.) Matthew Bellina, a Bucks Co. resident and ALS warrior.

At the address, Fitzpatrick sat with fellow Problem Solver Caucus member Rep. Tom Suozzi (D-NY) in a show of support for bipartisanship.  In a show of unity, Fitzpatrick wore a blue tie, and Suozzi wore a red tie.