RELEASE: PA House Addresses Opioid Epidemic, Santarsiero Missing

DOYLESTOWN, PA – Brian Fitzpatrick, former FBI special agent and federal prosecutor, released the following statement Wednesday regarding the Pennsylvania House of Representatives passage of two bills addressing the Commonwealth’s opioid epidemic – and State Rep. Steve Santarsiero’s disappointing choice to skip the votes:
 
“I applaud the Pennsylvania State House of Representatives for coming together – Republicans and Democrats – to unanimously pass a pair of bills aimed at addressing our community’s opioid epidemic. These bills highlight the multiple fronts in the fight against addiction – from increasing education, including for medical professionals, to limiting the over-prescription of medication which can lead to abuse. In Congress, I will continue this mission and work with local, state and federal stakeholders to win this battle.
 
However, I find it beyond disappointing that Rep. Steve Santarsiero chose to skip this critical vote. While not surprising based on his recent attendance while running for a political promotion, it remains a disservice to those who still expect him to serve as their voice and vote in Harrisburg.”
 
Brian Fitzpatrick is a certified EMT and, as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney, prosecuted drug crimes. He has made combatting our region’s opioid epidemic a focal point of his campaign from Congress including advocating for increased drug education, funding for recovery efforts and stiffer penalties for drug dealers. Fitzpatrick has also highlighted the nexus between addiction and community planning by weighing in on recovery homes in Bucks Co.
 
BACKGROUND ON BRIAN:
 
After being born and raised in Levittown, Brian Fitzpatrick spent nearly a decade and a half serving as a Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Supervisory Special Agent where his focus was fighting political corruption and supporting global counter terrorism efforts – including as a part of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He served as the National Director for the FBI’s Campaign Finance and Election Crimes Enforcement Program, as well as a national supervisor for the FBI’s Political Corruption Unit. For his work, Fitzpatrick was an inaugural recipient of the FBI Director’s Leadership Award. Additionally, as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney, Fitzpatrick, prosecuted violent drug and gun offenders to stem the tide of abuse and violence. Brian Fitzpatrick is a Certified Public Accountant, certified Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and an Eagle Scout. 
 
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Brian Fitzpatrick is a former FBI Supervisory Special Agent and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney running for Congress in Pennsylvania’s Eight Congressional District. He is a Levittown native and lives in Middletown Twp. Learn more at (FBI) Specwww.brianfitzpatrick.com