Swing-District Rep. Fitzpatrick: "Doing Nothing Is Not An Option" — Pushes ACA Subsidy Extension and Tougher Russia Sanctions

Swing-District Republican Urges GOP To Act On Affordability

Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, a Pennsylvania Republican who won in a district that voted for then-Vice President Kamala Harris in 2024, warned his party that inaction on rising costs would be politically and morally unacceptable. In an interview with CNN’s Manu Raju on Inside Politics Sunday, Fitzpatrick urged Republicans to support a short-term extension of enhanced Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies set to expire at the end of the year.

“If you don’t have a better plan, then get on board with ours. But doing nothing is not an option.”

Health Care: A Practical Short-Term Fix

Fitzpatrick is among a small group of House Republicans who have introduced legislation to extend the enhanced ACA tax credits, arguing a temporary fix to prevent steep premium increases is preferable to the alternatives his party has offered. He reiterated that while he does not agree with every provision of the ACA, a near-term solution to protect low- and middle-income Americans from large premium spikes is necessary.

He recalled voting against the 2017 GOP effort to repeal Obamacare because the proposed replacement was "insufficient," and said eight years later Republicans still lack "an articulable plan that’s going to work for everyday Americans." Fitzpatrick said even some conservative colleagues have privately expressed interest in a compromise to maintain affordability.

Affordability And The 2026 Spotlight

“Affordability is such a crisis in this country right now,” Fitzpatrick said, warning that cost-of-living concerns will dominate voters’ minds heading into the 2026 elections. He criticized recent House priorities — such as resolutions condemning socialism and legislation on college athlete pay — as out of step with what constituents care about most.

Ukraine And Russia: Stronger Measures, Bipartisan Signal

As co-chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus, Fitzpatrick urged swift congressional action to signal U.S. support for Ukraine. He has introduced a House bill modeled on bipartisan Senate legislation from Sen. Lindsey Graham and Sen. Richard Blumenthal that would impose heavy tariffs on countries buying Russian oil and gas. Fitzpatrick acknowledged hurdles — including Democratic hesitancy to expand presidential tariff authority — but said Congress should not let "perfect be the enemy of the good."

He positioned himself with other Russia hawks in the GOP who want clearer moral leadership from the administration and criticized President Trump’s posture toward Vladimir Putin, saying the president has been "too deferential" to the Russian leader.

Party Leadership And The Floor

Fitzpatrick expressed frustration with House Speaker Mike Johnson’s leadership style and priorities, arguing that rank-and-file members should be empowered to bring district-level priorities to the floor. He suggested a rule allowing each member to identify one paramount district priority and secure a full floor vote as a better way to run the House.

Reelection And Independence

Fitzpatrick said he will run for reelection and emphasized his independence from party leaders. He is one of only three House Republicans who won in districts Donald Trump lost in 2024. Recalling a narrow 2018 victory, he warned that political momentum shifts and that representatives must remain attentive to constituents — "my bosses are back home," he said.

Overall, Fitzpatrick framed his message as a call for pragmatic solutions on affordability, steady support for Ukraine, and greater latitude for members to represent their districts — even if it means breaking with party leadership.

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