Brian Fitzpatrick Named To Homeland Security, Foreign Affairs Committees

Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-08) has been named to the House Committee on Homeland Security and the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

Fitzpatrick was elected in November, after a campaign against Democrat Steve Santarsiero. He is the brother of Bucks County's longtime congressman, Mike Fitzpatrick.

“There are few representatives in Congress whose professional experience prepared them as well as Brian’s,” said Speaker of the House Paul Ryan, according to a news release from Fitzpatrick's office. “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.”

Fitzpatrick said the appointments are "an honor."

“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.”

Fitzpatrick spent 14 years as an FBI Supervisory Special Agent. He worked both counterterrorism and counterintelligence operations, including as an Al-Qaeda interrogator in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

According to Fitzpatrick's office, 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.

The House Committee on Foreign Affairs handles 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.