WASHINGTON– Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-08) has been named a “Defender of Children” by the First Focus Campaign for Children for actively working to improve the lives of our nation’s children through public policy.

“There are few honors more humbling than being named a ‘Defender of Children.’ As public servants, we have no higher responsibility than to protect our children and to ensure that every child has a strong foundation for success,” said Fitzpatrick. “Each one of our kids deserves the opportunity to grow, learn, and thrive in a safe environment. As federal legislators, we owe a duty to support federal policies that keep this goal in mind.”

The First Focus Campaign for Children recognized Fitzpatrick and several Members of Congress for their votes on key health-related bills, like Children’s Health Insurance Program and the Affordable Care Act, and amendments to tax legislation. Additional criteria included bill introductions and co-sponsorships, and other actions where lawmakers have supported children in an array of issue areas.

“Even though child advocates had to defend a whole range of legislative and regulatory attacks on children, we have identified 120 Members of Congress that chose to make children a priority. We commend their leadership and hope they will inspire their colleagues to do the same,” said Bruce Lesley, President of the First Focus Campaign for Children.

View the full legislative scorecard from the Campaign for Children HERE.

Children in the United States face numerous hardships, including poverty, violence, abuse, neglect, hunger, education inequity, poor nutrition, homelessness, lack of health coverage, infant and child mortality, and family separation in mixed immigrant households that demand attention, policy solutions, political will, and action that make children a priority.