"As long as they can use the issue to get votes, abortion will continue as an unresolved political issue"

There is no way that we should want to go back to the days of Planned Parenthood champion Patrick Murphy representing Pa's 8th district in Congress.  Yet while the Bucks County Republican party may seem comparatively "pro life," the Bucks County Republicans sent Planned Parenthood champions Peter Kostmayer and Jim Greenwood to Congress - to say nothing of Planned Parenthood champion Chuck McIlhinney to Harrisburg!  Back in February, Thomas Pallanta Jr of Middletown offered a stinging criticism:

"I have noticed that on [sic] election years, the 'pro-life' Republicans put the abortion issue on the front burner and turn up the heat as election nears. After the election, the abortion issue goes on the back burner to cool until the next election. This process has been going on for decades, and no one seems to notice....Abortion is a hot button issue that the Republicans use to get conservatives to vote for them. As long as they can use the issue to get votes, abortion will continue as an unresolved political issue" (Bucks County Courier Times, 2/1/13). Ow!

If we sent Mike Fitzpatrick to Congress believing him to be "pro life" and "pro family," we need much more than an occasional sponsorship and an occasional vote.  We need Mike to step up to the plate, stand with Congressman Chris Smith - a champion of pre-born children, a champion of growing children, and a champion of victims of human trafficking - and sponsor/support HR 732, HR 3133, HJ Res 51, HR 7, HR 1797, and HR 301, as well as HR 23.  Mike is supposed to work for the constituents of the 8th Congressional District - We need leadership! 

Child Interstate Abortion Notification Act - Support HR 732

As per Priests for Life, "The Child Interstate Abortion Notification Act (CIANA) would make it illegal to take a minor across a state line to evade the requirements of a pre-abortion parental involvement law in the girl’s home state."  Fitzpatrick needs to join 109 of his colleagues (including Representative Chris Smith) as a co-sponsor of HR 732.

Marriage - Support HR 3133 and H.J. Res 51

Virtually lost in current discussions about changing marriage/family laws is the simple social justice truth that children need both a mom and a dad.  The rights of children are being ignored.  Fitzpatrick's stand that marriage should simply be treated as a states' issue flies in the face of current reality.  As per a 9/20/13 announcement from the USCCB, "Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone of San Francisco, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Subcommittee for the Promotion and Defense of Marriage, and Archbishop William Lori of Baltimore, chairman of the Ad Hoc Committee for Religious Liberty, gave their strong support for the Marriage and Religious Freedom Act (H.R. 3133) introduced...in the U.S. House of Representatives."  Fitzpatrick needs to join 62 of his colleagues (including Representative Chris Smith) as a co-sponsor of HR 3133.  Fitzpatrick needs to join 54 of his colleagues (including Representative Chris Smith) as a co-sponsor of H.J. RES. 51

No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act - Support HR 7

As per Priests for Life, "The No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act would prohibit the federal funding of abortion, except in cases of rape, incest, or life of the mother."  HR 7 was introduced by Representative Chris Smith.  Fitzpatrick needs to stand with Chris Smith and 132 other colleagues as a co-sponsor of HR 7.

Pain Capable Unborn Child Protection Act - Support HR 1797

"Priests for Life believes this is the most significant legislative effort to date in bringing protection to unborn children. We have therefore already alerted every parish in America to inform and mobilize its congregation in support of this bill. We are also calling upon pro-life organizations large and small to give it their full support" (Fr. Frank Pavone, 5/21/13). Fitzpatrick needs to join 184 of his colleagues (including Representative Chris Smith) as a co-sponsor of HR 1797.

Religious Freedom Throughout the World - Support HR 301

As per Bishop Pates' 5/20/13 letter to Senators Roy Blunt and Carl Levin, "As Chair of the Committee on International Justice and Peace of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, I commend your tireless efforts to advance religious freedom as evidenced by your sponsorship of S. 653, a bill to establish a Special Envoy to Promote Religious Freedom of Religious Minorities in the Near East and South Central Asia." Fitzpatrick needs to join 72 of his colleagues (including Representative Chris Smith) as a co-sponsor of the House version, HR 301.

The Sanctity of Human Life Act - Support HR 23

As per Priests for Life, "The Sanctity of Human Life Act would declare that the right to life guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution vests in each human being at 'fertilization, cloning, or its functional equivalent, irrespective of sex, health, function or disability, defect, stage of biological development, or condition of dependency.'  Further, the measure states that 'the Congress affirms that the Congress, each State, the District of Columbia, and all United States territories have the authority to protect the lives of all human beings residing in its respective jurisdictions.'"  Fitzpatrick needs to join 40 of his colleagues as a co-sponsor of HR 23.


Email Rep. Fitzpatrick (mikefitzpatrickpa08@live.com)