2021: Fitzpatrick Voted Against The Protecting Our Democracy Act,
Which Would Strengthen Checks On Presidential Powers And The Executive
Branch And Prohibit Foreign Influence. In December 2021, Fitzpatrick
voted against the Protecting Our Democracy Act which would, according to
Congressional Quarterly, "include a number of provisions to strengthen
checks on presidential powers and the executive branch and prohibit
foreign influence." The vote was on passage. The House passed the bill
by a vote of 220-208. [House Vote 440,
12/9/21; Congressional
Quarterly, 12/9/21;
Congressional Actions, H.R.
5314]
The Bill Would Address "Presidential Abuses Of Power" And
Strengthen The "Checks And Balances Between The Branches Of
Government." According to CNN, "The House voted 220-208 on
Thursday to pass the Protect Our Democracy Act, which addresses
presidential abuses of power and reinforces the checks and balances
between the branches of government." [CNN,
12/9/21]
The Bill Would Address The Boundaries That Were Tested By Former
President Donald Trump, Including The Limitations Of Pardons,
Disclosure Requirements For Personal Tax Returns, And The Acceptance
Of Foreign Or Domestic Help. According to CNN, "The bill, which
has support from the White House, aims to strengthen guardrails that
were tested by former President Donald Trump, including limitation
on presidential pardons, the requirement for candidates for
president and vice president to submit their personal tax returns
for 10 years, and the acceptance of any foreign or domestic
emoluments." [CNN,
12/9/21]
Congressman Adam Schiff Of California Said The Bill Reflected
Changes That Were Made After The Watergate Scandal. According to
CNN, "Democratic Rep. Adam Schiff of California, the bill's sponsor,
said the legislation, originally introduced in September 2020 and
reintroduced this past September, echoes changes that were made
following the Nixon presidency. 'Just as after Watergate Congress
worked to enact reforms, so we must now examine the cracks in the
Democratic foundation and address them,' he said." [CNN,
12/9/21]
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi Said The Bill Would Strengthen American
Democracy, Enforce The Rule Of Law, Fortify The Checks And Balances,
Restore American Democratic Institutions, And Specify That The
President Is Not Above The Law. According to CNN, "House Speaker
Nancy Pelosi said at a news conference after the bill passed that it
'ensures the strength and survival of a democracy of, by and for the
people, defending the rule of law, revitalizing our system of checks
and balances and restoring our democratic institutions.' 'This
legislation ensures that no one, not even a president, no matter who
he or she may be, is above the law,' Pelosi said." [CNN,
12/9/21]
Republicans Opposed The Bill Because They Claimed It Was An Aim To
Attack Former President Trump. According to CNN, "House
Republicans railed against the bill, saying it is just another
attempt to attack the former President." [CNN,
12/9/21]
Republicans Gesture They Would Exercise Investigative Power Into
The Biden Administration If They Regain The Majority In Congress.
According to CNN, "Republicans also suggested that, should they
regain the majority, they would wield investigative power into the
executive branch." [CNN,
12/9/21]
The Bill Would Seek To Restrain Growing Executive Power And Avert
Future Presidents From Replicating Former President Donald Trump's
Belligerent Actions. According to Congressional Quarterly,
"Democrats hope the legislation introduced by House Intelligence
Chairman Adam B. Schiff, will curb the growing power of the
executive branch and prevent future presidents from repeating former
President Donald Trump's defiant actions." [Congressional
Quarterly,
12/7/21]
Republicans Argued That Democrats Were Targeting Former President
Trump, But Democrats Argued The Bill Would Prevent Abuses Of Power
By Current And Future Presidents And That The Legislation Had
Bipartisan Provisions. According to Congressional Quarterly,
"Republicans said the majority was hung up on targeting Trump nearly
a year after he's left office. But Democrats said the legislation
protects against abuses by current and future presidents of any
party, and is based on bipartisan proposals." [Congressional
Quarterly,
12/7/21]
Congressman Rick Crawford Claimed Democrats Were Trying To
"Weaponize Federal Bureaucracy Against Republican Candidates."
According to Reuters, "Republican Rick Crawford accused Democrats of
living in the past, saying, 'The clear intent of this bill is to
weaponize federal bureaucracy against Republican candidates.'"
[Reuters,
12/9/21]
2021: Fitzpatrick Effectively Voted Against The Protecting Our
Democracy Act, Which Would Reform Executive Powers. In December 2021,
according to Congressional Quarterly, Fitzpatrick voted for the "motion
to recommit the bill to the House Oversight and Reform Committee." The
vote was on a motion to recommit. The House rejected the motion by a
vote of 212-217. [House Vote 439,
12/9/21; Congressional
Quarterly, 12/9/21;
Congressional Actions, H.R.
5314]
2021: Fitzpatrick Effectively Voted Against The Protecting Our
Democracy Act. In December 2021, according to Congressional Quarterly,
Fitzpatrick voted against the "adoption of the rule (H Res 838) that
would provide for floor consideration of [...] the Protecting our
Democracy Act (HR 5314). The rule would provide for up to one hour of
general debate on each bill and provide for floor consideration of 34
amendments to HR 5314." The vote was on the adoption of the rule. The
House adopted the rule by a vote of 219-213. [House Vote 403,
12/7/21; Congressional
Quarterly, 12/7/21;
Congressional Actions, H.R.
5314;
Congressional Actions, H.Res.
838]
2021: Fitzpatrick Effectively Voted Against The Protecting Our
Democracy Act. In December 2021, according to Congressional Quarterly,
Fitzpatrick voted against the "motion to order the previous question
(thus ending debate and possibility of amendment) on the rule (H Res
838) that would provide for floor consideration of [...] the
Protecting our Democracy Act (HR 5314). The rule would provide for up to
one hour of general debate on each bill and provide for floor
consideration of 34 amendments to HR 5314." The vote was on a motion to
order the previous question. The House agreed to the motion by a vote of
218-210. [House Vote 402,
12/7/21; Congressional
Quarterly, 12/7/21;
Congressional Actions, H.R.
5314;
Congressional Actions, H.Res.
838]
2021: Fitzpatrick Voted Against Making Appropriated Funding Available
For Obligation No Later Than 90 Days Before Its Availability Would Lapse
And Prohibiting The Deferral Of Funds In That 90-Day Period. In
December 2021, Fitzpatrick voted against the Protecting Our Democracy
Act which would specify, according to Congressional Quarterly, "among
provisions relating to spending and other Congressional powers, the bill
would require appropriated funding to be made available for obligation
no later than 90 days before its availability would expire, and prohibit
the rescission or deferral of funds in such 90-day period." The vote was
on passage. The House passed the bill by a vote of 220-208. [House Vote
440, 12/9/21;
Congressional Quarterly,
12/9/21; Congressional Actions,
H.R.
5314]
2021: Fitzpatrick Voted Against An Amendment That Would Guide The
Federal Election Commission To Issue Suggestions On Cybersecurity Risks
For Political Committees. In December 2021, Fitzpatrick voted against
the en bloc amendments no.1 to the Protecting Our Democracy Act which
would, according to Congressional Quarterly, "direct the Federal
Election Commission to issue guidance for political committees on
cybersecurity risks." The vote was on the adoption of amendments. The
House adopted the amendments by a vote of 218-211. [House Vote 436,
12/9/21; Congressional
Quarterly, 12/9/21;
Congressional Actions, H.Amdt.
146;
Congressional Actions, H.R.
5314]
2021: Fitzpatrick Voted Against Requiring Disclosures On Internet And
Digital Political Advertisements. In December 2021, Fitzpatrick voted
against the Protecting Our Democracy Act which, according to
Congressional Quarterly, "establishes disclosure requirements for
internet and digital political advertising." The vote was on passage.
The House passed the bill by a vote of 220-208. [House Vote 440,
12/9/21; Congressional
Quarterly, 12/9/21;
Congressional Actions, H.R.
5314]
2021: Fitzpatrick Voted Against An Amendment That Would Impose
Disclosure Requirements For Internet And Digital Political
Advertising. In December 2021, Fitzpatrick voted against the en bloc
amendments no.1 to the Protecting Our Democracy Act which would,
according to Congressional Quarterly, "establish disclosure requirements
for internet and digital political advertising." The vote was on the
adoption of amendments. The House adopted the amendments by a vote of
218-211. [House Vote 436,
12/9/21; Congressional
Quarterly, 12/9/21;
Congressional Actions, H.Amdt.
146;
Congressional Actions, H.R.
5314]
2021: Fitzpatrick Voted Against An Amendment That Would Require All
Executive Branch Employees To Sign An Ethics Pledge. In December 2021,
Fitzpatrick voted against the en bloc amendments no.1 to the Protecting
Our Democracy Act which would, according to Congressional Quarterly,
"codify an executive order requiring all executive branch personnel to
sign an ethics pledge." The vote was on the adoption of amendments. The
House adopted the amendments by a vote of 218-211. [House Vote 436,
12/9/21; Congressional
Quarterly, 12/9/21;
Congressional Actions, H.Amdt.
146;
Congressional Actions, H.R.
5314]
2021: Fitzpatrick Voted Against An Amendment That Would Prohibit The
President, Vice President And Cabinet Members From Becoming Federal
Contractors. In December 2021, Fitzpatrick voted against the en bloc
amendments no.1 to the Protecting Our Democracy Act which would,
according to Congressional Quarterly, "prohibit the president, vice
president and cabinet members from contracting with the federal
government." The vote was on the adoption of amendments. The House
adopted the amendments by a vote of 218-211. [House Vote 436,
12/9/21; Congressional
Quarterly, 12/9/21;
Congressional Actions, H.Amdt.
146;
Congressional Actions, H.R.
5314]
2021: Fitzpatrick Voted Against Requiring Political Committees To
Report To The FBI Within A Week Of A Candidate Or A Candidate's Family
Or Employees Interacting With A Foreign Entity. In December 2021,
Fitzpatrick voted against the Protecting Our Democracy Act which would,
according to Congressional Quarterly, "require political committees to
notify the FBI within one week of any foreign contact by a candidate, or
a candidate's family members or employees." The vote was on passage. The
House passed the bill by a vote of 220-208. [House Vote 440,
12/9/21; Congressional
Quarterly, 12/9/21;
Congressional Actions, H.R.
5314]
2021: Fitzpatrick Voted Against Forbidding Political Campaigns From
Accepting Opposition Research, Polling Or Other Information Relating To
A Candidate From A Foreign Entity. In December 2021, Fitzpatrick voted
against the Protecting Our Democracy Act which would, according to
Congressional Quarterly, "prohibit political campaigns from accepting
opposition research, polling or other non-public information relating to
a candidate from a foreign entity." The vote was on passage. The House
passed the bill by a vote of 220-208. [House Vote 440,
12/9/21; Congressional
Quarterly, 12/9/21;
Congressional Actions, H.R.
5314]
2021: Fitzpatrick Voted Against Prohibiting The President, Vice
President And Other Federal Officers From Accepting Gifts From Foreign
Entities Without Congressional Approval. In December 2021, Fitzpatrick
voted against the Protecting Our Democracy Act which would, according to
Congressional Quarterly, "expressly prohibit federal officers, including
the president and vice president, from accepting gifts from foreign
entities without Congressional authorization." The vote was on passage.
The House passed the bill by a vote of 220-208. [House Vote 440,
12/9/21; Congressional
Quarterly, 12/9/21;
Congressional Actions, H.R.
5314]
2021: Fitzpatrick Voted Against An Amendment That Would Provide
Informative Over The Intelligence Community To The Government
Accountability Office To Conduct Investigations Requested By Congress.
In December 2021, Fitzpatrick voted against an amendment to the
Protecting Our Democracy Act which would, according to Congressional
Quarterly, "require the national intelligence director to ensure that
Government Accountability Office personnel are provided with access to
all information in the possession of the intelligence community that the
GAO determines is necessary to conduct an analysis, evaluation or
investigation of a program or activity of an element of the intelligence
community that is requested by Congress. It would require the GAO to
establish procedures to protect the confidentiality of such
information." The vote was on the adoption of an amendment. The House
rejected the amendment by a vote of 195-23. [House Vote 438,
12/9/21; Congressional
Quarterly, 12/9/21;
Congressional Actions, H.Amdt.
148;
Congressional Actions, H.R.
5314]
2021: Fitzpatrick Voted Against Strengthening The Hatch Act By
Authorizing The Office Of Special Counsel To Investigate Potential
Violations Without Receiving An Initial Allegation And Specifying That
White House Senior Officials Must Abide By The Act. In December 2021,
Fitzpatrick voted against the Protecting Our Democracy Act which would,
according to Congressional Quarterly, "strengthen enforcement and
penalties under the Hatch Act, which prohibits federal employees from
engaging in partisan political activities, including to authorize the
Office of Special Counsel to investigate potential violations without
first receiving an allegation and clarify that White House senior
officials are subject to the Hatch Act." The vote was on passage. The
House passed the bill by a vote of 220-208. [House Vote 440,
12/9/21; Congressional
Quarterly, 12/9/21;
Congressional Actions, H.R.
5314]
2021: Fitzpatrick Voted Against Requiring The Justice Department To
Keep Record Of Communications Between Officials In The White House And
Justice Department And Requiring The Justice Department's Inspector
General To Audit Any Inappropriate Communications. In December 2021,
Fitzpatrick voted against the Protecting Our Democracy Act which would,
according to Congressional Quarterly, "require the Justice Department to
maintain a log of communications between DOJ and White House officials
relating to civil or criminal investigations and require the
department's inspector general to review the log for any improper
communications." The vote was on passage. The House passed the bill by a
vote of 220-208. [House Vote 440,
12/9/21; Congressional
Quarterly, 12/9/21;
Congressional Actions, H.R.
5314]
The Senate Judiciary Committee Recommended Strengthening Oversight
Of White House Communications With The Justice Department, Including
Legislation To Requiring Keeping Logs Of Contacts, Granting The
Justice's Inspector General Access To The Log And Notifying Congress
Of Any Red Flags. According to Congressional Quarterly, "A Senate
Judiciary Committee report released on Thursday recommended that
Congress strengthen oversight of White House contacts with the
Justice Department, as it aired new details about former President
Donald Trump's actions in the wake of his 2020 election defeat. That
includes legislation to require the Justice Department keep a log of
contacts with White House officials, and give the department's
watchdog regular access to that log and a path to notify lawmakers
about any 'urgent concern.'" [Congressional Quarterly,
10/7/21]
According To Senator Richard Durbin, The Judiciary Report
Exemplified How Close The Country Was To A "Constitutional Crisis"
When Former President Trump Sought Justice Department Support To
Overturn The 2020 Election Results. According to Congressional
Quarterly, "Judiciary Chairman Richard J. Durbin, D-Ill., said the
interim report and previously unreleased testimony, at 394 pages,
shows just how close the United States came to a constitutional
crisis when Trump relentlessly tried to enlist the Justice
Department's help to overturn the election results." [Congressional
Quarterly, 10/7/21]
Current Policies Only Allows The Justice Department And White
House Officials To Communicate On Certain Law Enforcement Affairs To
Hinder Political Pressure On Criminal Investigations And
Prosecutions. According to Congressional Quarterly, "The DOJ and
the White House have policies for contact with each other on
specific law enforcement matters to help ensure that improper
political pressure does not influence --- or appear to influence ---
criminal investigations and prosecutions." [Congressional
Quarterly, 10/7/21]
The Judiciary Report Concluded That Former Assistant Attorney
General Jeffrey Clark Violated Communications Policies By Meeting
With Former President Trump Without Authorization. According to
Congressional Quarterly, "The report concludes that DOJ official
Jeffrey Clark, then the Senate-confirmed assistant attorney general
for the Environment and Natural Resources and the acting assistant
attorney general for the Civil Division, 'blatantly violated' those
policies by having unauthorized meetings with Trump."
[Congressional Quarterly,
10/7/21]
The Judiciary Report Concluded Former Assistant Attorney General
Jeffrey Clark Violated The Communications Policies More Than Once,
Even After He Was Reprimanded And He Assured He Would Not Meet With
The President Again Without Authorization. According to
Congressional Quarterly, "Even after a DOJ official admonished Clark
for an unauthorized meeting in the Oval Office, and even though
Clark assured DOJ officials that he would not meet with the
president again, 'Clark brazenly violated the policy at least once
more,' the report states." [Congressional Quarterly,
10/7/21]
The Judiciary Report Found That The Trump Administration's White
House Chief Of Staff Mark Meadows Violated The Communications
Policies Multiple Times. According to Congressional Quarterly,
"Then-White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows, a former House
lawmaker from North Carolina, repeatedly violated the White House
version of that policy, the report found." [Congressional
Quarterly, 10/7/21]
The Current Communications Policy Requires That Communications
About Pending Justice Department Investigations May Be Only Held
With The President, Vice President, Or Certain White House
Attorneys. According to Congressional Quarterly, "The policy
requires that communications with DOJ about pending or contemplated
investigations or cases be only with the president, vice president
or certain White House lawyers." [Congressional Quarterly,
10/7/21]
The Judiciary Report Found That Former White House Chief Of Staff
Mark Meadows Violated The Communications Policy When He Contacted
Former Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen To Ask For An Investigation On
Election Fraud Claims In Certain States. According to
Congressional Quarterly, "Meadows violated the policy each time he
contacted then-acting Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen to request that
DOJ look into election fraud allegations, whether in Georgia, New
Mexico or elsewhere, the report states." [Congressional Quarterly,
10/7/21]
The Judiciary Report Recommended A Stronger Oversight Over Justice
Department And White House Contact Policies Because The Attorney
General Does Not Have The Authority To Remove A Senate-Confirmed
Justice Department Official Who Violates Such Policies. According
to Congressional Quarterly, "Attorney General Merrick B. Garland and
White House Counsel Dana Remus updated and reissued DOJ and White
House versions of the contact policies in July. But the report
concludes that a stricter oversight regime is needed, particularly
because an attorney general does not have the authority to fire a
Senate-confirmed DOJ official who violates it." [Congressional
Quarterly, 10/7/21]
The Bill Would Require That The Justice Department Keep Record Of
Contacts With The White House And Share The Logs With The Justice
Department's Inspector General Every Six Months. According to
Congressional Quarterly, "One bill (HR 5314) already proposes that
the Justice Department keep a log of contacts that would be shared
with the DOJ's Office of Inspector General every six months."
[Congressional Quarterly,
10/7/21]
2021: Fitzpatrick Voted Against Limiting National Emergency Powers,
Including Automatically Ending Emergency Declarations After 20
Congressional Days Unless Congress Were To Grant Congressional
Approval. In December 2021, Fitzpatrick voted against the Protecting
Our Democracy Act which would, according to Congressional Quarterly,
"include various provisions to limit national emergency powers,
including to automatically terminate emergency declarations after 20
congressional session days unless Congress passes a joint resolution of
approval." The vote was on passage. The House passed the bill by a vote
of 220-208. [House Vote 440,
12/9/21; Congressional
Quarterly, 12/9/21;
Congressional Actions, H.R.
5314]
2021: Fitzpatrick Voted Against Limiting National Emergency Powers,
Including To Specify That National Emergency Powers May Not Authorize Or
Provide Funding To Activities Not Authorized Or Funded By Congress. In
December 2021, Fitzpatrick voted against the Protecting Our Democracy
Act which would, according to Congressional Quarterly, "include various
provisions to limit national emergency powers, including [...] to
specify that the president's national emergency powers may not be used
to authorize or fund any activity not authorized or funded by Congress."
The vote was on passage. The House passed the bill by a vote of 220-208.
[House Vote 440,
12/9/21; Congressional
Quarterly, 12/9/21;
Congressional Actions, H.R.
5314]
2021: Fitzpatrick Effectively Voted Against An Amendment That Would
Remove A Provision That Would Restrict The President's Ability To Impose
Import Quotas Due To A Foreign Threat National Emergency. In December
2021, according to Congressional Quarterly, Fitzpatrick effectively
voted against the manager's amendment to the Protection Our Democracy
Act which would "remove language specifying that the president may not
impose import duties or quotas under emergency powers during a national
emergency related to a foreign threat." The vote was on the adoption of
the rule. The House adopted the rule by a vote of 219-213. [House Vote
403, 12/7/21;
Congressional Quarterly,
12/7/21; Congressional Actions,
H.R.
5314;
Congressional Actions, H.Res.
838]
2021: Fitzpatrick Effectively Voted Against An Amendment That Would
Bar Political Committees From Compensating A Candidate's Spouse And
Require Them To Report Any Payments Made To A Candidate's Immediate
Family. In December 2021, according to Congressional Quarterly,
Fitzpatrick effectively voted against the manager's amendment to the
Protection Our Democracy Act which would "prohibit political committees
from directly or indirectly compensating a candidate's spouse for
services to the committee and require them to report any payments made
to a candidate's immediate family; and strike language requiring the
District of Columbia government to report certain budget and
appropriations information if requested by the Government Accountability
Office." The vote was on the adoption of the rule. The House adopted the
rule by a vote of 219-213. [House Vote 403,
12/7/21; Congressional
Quarterly, 12/7/21;
Congressional Actions, H.R.
5314;
Congressional Actions, H.Res.
838]
2021: Fitzpatrick Effectively Voted Against An Amendment That Would
Remove A Provision That Would Require The D.C. Government To Report
Certain Budget Information If Requested By The Government Accountability
Office. In December 2021, according to Congressional Quarterly,
Fitzpatrick effectively voted against the manager's amendment to the
Protection Our Democracy Act which would "strike language requiring the
District of Columbia government to report certain budget and
appropriations information if requested by the Government Accountability
Office." The vote was on the adoption of the rule. The House adopted the
rule by a vote of 219-213. [House Vote 403,
12/7/21; Congressional
Quarterly, 12/7/21;
Congressional Actions, H.R.
5314;
Congressional Actions, H.Res.
838]
2021: Fitzpatrick Effectively Voted Against An Amendment That Would
Remove A Provision That Would Restrict The President's Ability To Impose
Import Quotas Due To A Foreign Threat National Emergency. In December
2021, according to Congressional Quarterly, Fitzpatrick effectively
voted against the manager's amendment to the Protection Our Democracy
Act which would "remove language specifying that the president may not
impose import duties or quotas under emergency powers during a national
emergency related to a foreign threat." The vote was on a motion to
order the previous question. The House agreed to the motion by a vote of
218-210. [House Vote 402,
12/7/21; Congressional
Quarterly, 12/7/21;
Congressional Actions, H.R.
5314;
Congressional Actions, H.Res.
838]
2021: Fitzpatrick Effectively Voted Against An Amendment That Would
Bar Political Committees From Compensating A Candidate's Spouse And
Require Them To Report Any Payments Made To A Candidate's Immediate
Family. In December 2021, according to Congressional Quarterly,
Fitzpatrick effectively voted against the manager's amendment to the
Protection Our Democracy Act which would "prohibit political committees
from directly or indirectly compensating a candidate's spouse for
services to the committee and require them to report any payments made
to a candidate's immediate family; and strike language requiring the
District of Columbia government to report certain budget and
appropriations information if requested by the Government Accountability
Office." The vote was on a motion to order the previous question. The
House agreed to the motion by a vote of 218-210. [House Vote 402,
12/7/21; Congressional
Quarterly, 12/7/21;
Congressional Actions, H.R.
5314;
Congressional Actions, H.Res.
838]
2021: Fitzpatrick Effectively Voted Against An Amendment That Would
Remove A Provision That Would Require The D.C. Government To Report
Certain Budget Information If Requested By The Government Accountability
Office. In December 2021, according to Congressional Quarterly,
Fitzpatrick effectively voted against the manager's amendment to the
Protection Our Democracy Act which would "strike language requiring the
District of Columbia government to report certain budget and
appropriations information if requested by the Government Accountability
Office." The vote was on a motion to order the previous question. The
House agreed to the motion by a vote of 218-210. [House Vote 402,
12/7/21; Congressional
Quarterly, 12/7/21;
Congressional Actions, H.R.
5314;
Congressional Actions, H.Res.
838]
2021: Fitzpatrick Voted Against An Amendment That Would Establish
Several Limitations On National Emergency Powers. In December 2021,
Fitzpatrick voted against the en bloc amendments no.1 to the Protecting
Our Democracy Act which would, according to Congressional Quarterly,
"impose various limitations on national emergency powers." The vote was
on the adoption of amendments. The House adopted the amendments by a
vote of 218-211. [House Vote 436,
12/9/21; Congressional
Quarterly, 12/9/21;
Congressional Actions, H.Amdt.
146;
Congressional Actions, H.R.
5314]
2021: Fitzpatrick Voted Against An Amendment That Would Create The
Position Of Inspector General For The Office Of Management And Budget.
In December 2021, Fitzpatrick voted against the en bloc amendments no.1
to the Protecting Our Democracy Act which would, according to
Congressional Quarterly, "establish an inspector general for the Office
of Management and Budget." The vote was on the adoption of amendments.
The House adopted the amendments by a vote of 218-211. [House Vote 436,
12/9/21; Congressional
Quarterly, 12/9/21;
Congressional Actions, H.Amdt.
146;
Congressional Actions, H.R.
5314]
2021: Fitzpatrick Voted Against Prohibiting A President From Pardoning
Themselves. In December 2021, Fitzpatrick voted against the Protecting
Our Democracy Act which included, according to Congressional Quarterly,
"provisions related to presidential and executive branch accountability
and oversight, the bill would void any pardon the president issues to
himself or herself." The vote was on passage. The House passed the bill
by a vote of 220-208. [House Vote 440,
12/9/21; Congressional
Quarterly, 12/9/21;
Congressional Actions, H.R.
5314]
2021: Fitzpatrick Voted Against Requiring The Justice Department To
Provide Information To Congress Over Investigations Related To The
President If The President Pardons Someone For Those Investigated
Offences. In December 2021, Fitzpatrick voted against the Protecting
Our Democracy Act which would specify, according to Congressional
Quarterly, "if the president grants a pardon for offenses arising from
investigations involving the president or their family members,
administration members or campaign employees, it would require the
Justice Department to share all materials related to the investigation
with Congress." The vote was on passage. The House passed the bill by a
vote of 220-208. [House Vote 440,
12/9/21; Congressional
Quarterly, 12/9/21;
Congressional Actions, H.R.
5314]
2021: Fitzpatrick Voted Against Prohibiting Using Materially Deceptive
Audio Or visual Media Against A Candidate For Federal Office. In
December 2021, Fitzpatrick voted against the Protecting Our Democracy
Act which would, according to Congressional Quarterly, "prohibit the use
of deepfakes, or materially deceptive audio or visual media, of a
federal election candidate." The vote was on passage. The House passed
the bill by a vote of 220-208. [House Vote 440,
12/9/21; Congressional
Quarterly, 12/9/21;
Congressional Actions, H.R.
5314]
2021: Fitzpatrick Voted Against An Amendment That Would Prohibit Using
Deceptive Audio Or Visual Media Against A Candidate For Federal
Office. In December 2021, Fitzpatrick voted against the en bloc
amendments no.1 to the Protecting Our Democracy Act which would,
according to Congressional Quarterly, "prohibit the use of deepfakes, or
materially deceptive audio or visual media, of a federal election
candidate." The vote was on the adoption of amendments. The House
adopted the amendments by a vote of 218-211. [House Vote 436,
12/9/21; Congressional
Quarterly, 12/9/21;
Congressional Actions, H.Amdt.
146;
Congressional Actions, H.R.
5314]
2021: Fitzpatrick Voted Against An Amendment That Would Establish
Protections For Elected Officials' Personal Information That Have Been
Threatened For Their Service. In December 2021, Fitzpatrick voted
against the en bloc amendments no.1 to the Protecting Our Democracy Act
which would, according to Congressional Quarterly, "include 31
amendments to the bill that would, among other provisions, establish
protections for personally identifiable information of election
officials who they have received threats related to their service." The
vote was on the adoption of amendments. The House adopted the amendments
by a vote of 218-211. [House Vote 436,
12/9/21; Congressional
Quarterly, 12/9/21;
Congressional Actions, H.Amdt.
146;
Congressional Actions, H.R.
5314]
2021: Fitzpatrick Voted Against Creating A List Of Reasons For The
Removal Of An Inspector General. In December 2021, Fitzpatrick voted
against the Protecting Our Democracy Act which would, according to
Congressional Quarterly, "specify a list of causes for which the
president or an agency head may remove an inspector general." The vote
was on passage. The House passed the bill by a vote of 220-208. [House
Vote 440, 12/9/21;
Congressional Quarterly,
12/9/21; Congressional Actions,
H.R.
5314]
2021: Fitzpatrick Voted For An Amendment That Would Require The
President To Notify Congress Before Removing An Inspector General And
The Reasons For Their Removal. In December 2021, Fitzpatrick voted for
the en bloc amendments no.2 to the Protecting Our Democracy Act which
would, according to Congressional Quarterly, "modify the inspectors
general language to require the president to notify Congress and provide
a detailed rationale prior to removing an inspector general." The vote
was on the adoption of amendments. The House rejected the amendments by
a vote of 211-218. [House Vote 437,
12/9/21; Congressional
Quarterly, 12/9/21;
Congressional Actions, H.Amdt.
147;
Congressional Actions, H.R.
5314]
2021: Fitzpatrick Voted Against Requiring Executive Agencies To
Publicize Documents In Allocating Appropriations And Adding
Congressional Notification And Reporting Requirements Over Spending
Activities. In December 2021, Fitzpatrick voted against the Protecting
Our Democracy Act which would, according to Congressional Quarterly,
"require executive agencies to make public documents used in
apportioning appropriations and add congressional notification and
reporting requirements related to spending activity." The vote was on
passage. The House passed the bill by a vote of 220-208. [House Vote
440, 12/9/21;
Congressional Quarterly,
12/9/21; Congressional Actions,
H.R.
5314]
2021: Fitzpatrick Voted Against Exempting A President Or Vice
President's Tenure From The Statute Of Limitations For Any Crime
Committed Before Or While Serving In Office. In December 2021,
Fitzpatrick voted against the Protecting Our Democracy Act which would,
according to Congressional Quarterly, "exempt the duration of a
president or vice president's tenure from the statute of limitations for
any federal offense committed by that person prior to or during their
tenure." The vote was on passage. The House passed the bill by a vote of
220-208. [House Vote 440,
12/9/21; Congressional
Quarterly, 12/9/21;
Congressional Actions, H.R.
5314]
2021: Fitzpatrick Voted For An Amendment That Would Specify That A
Crime Committed By A President Or Vice President While In Office Would
Not Be Included In The Statute Of Limitations. In December 2021,
Fitzpatrick voted for the en bloc amendments no.2 to the Protecting Our
Democracy Act which would, according to Congressional Quarterly, "strike
a section to specify that time during a president's or vice
president's tenure would not be included in the statute of limitations
for any federal criminal offense committed by that person." The vote was
on the adoption of amendments. The House rejected the amendments by a
vote of 211-218. [House Vote 437,
12/9/21; Congressional
Quarterly, 12/9/21;
Congressional Actions, H.Amdt.
147;
Congressional Actions, H.R.
5314]
2021: Fitzpatrick Voted For An Amendment That Would Strike Most Of The
Provisions Of The Bill, Except For The Provisions Protecting The
Independence Of Inspectors General. In December 2021, Fitzpatrick
voted for the en bloc amendments no.2 to the Protecting Our Democracy
Act which would, according to Congressional Quarterly, "strike the most
of the bill's provisions, except two sections related to protecting the
independence of inspectors general." The vote was on the adoption of
amendments. The House rejected the amendments by a vote of 211-218.
[House Vote 437,
12/9/21; Congressional
Quarterly, 12/9/21;
Congressional Actions, H.Amdt.
147;
Congressional Actions, H.R.
5314]
2021: Fitzpatrick Voted Against Requiring Presidential And Vice
Presidential Candidates To Submit Tax Returns From The Last 10 Years,
Making The Documents Public And Requiring The Sitting President And Vice
President To Disclose Their Tax Returns Annually. In December 2021,
Fitzpatrick voted against the Protecting Our Democracy Act which would
specify, according to Congressional Quarterly, "among provisions related
to elections and foreign influence, it would require major-party
candidates for president and vice president to submit their tax returns
from the past 10 years to the Federal Election Commission, require the
FEC to make such returns public and require the same disclosures
annually for the sitting president and vice president." The vote was on
passage. The House passed the bill by a vote of 220-208. [House Vote
440, 12/9/21;
Congressional Quarterly,
12/9/21; Congressional Actions,
H.R.
5314]
The Bill Would Require The Sitting President And Vice President
And Presidential Candidates From Major Political Parties To Submit
Their Tax Returns. According to Congressional Quarterly, "The
measure (HR 5314) would require presidents, vice presidents and
anyone running for those offices from a major political party to
disclose their tax returns." [Congressional Quarterly,
12/9/21]
Former President Trump Never Disclosed His Tax Returns, Breaking A
"Longstanding Tradition." According to Congressional Quarterly,
"That's something Trump never did, flouting a longstanding
tradition." [Congressional Quarterly,
12/9/21]
2021: Fitzpatrick Voted Against Expanding Whistleblower Protections,
Including To Forbid Retaliation Against Fedral Workers Who Disclose
Waste, Fraud And Abuse. In December 2021, Fitzpatrick voted against
the Protecting Our Democracy Act which would, according to Congressional
Quarterly, "expand federal whistleblower protections, including to
prohibit retaliation against federal employees who disclose waste, fraud
and abuse." The vote was on passage. The House passed the bill by a vote
of 220-208. [House Vote 440,
12/9/21; Congressional
Quarterly, 12/9/21;
Congressional Actions, H.R.
5314]
2021: Fitzpatrick Voted Against An Amendment That Would Extend
Whistleblower Protections To Federal Agency Fellows And Interns. In
December 2021, Fitzpatrick voted against the en bloc amendments no.1 to
the Protecting Our Democracy Act which would, according to Congressional
Quarterly, "extend whistleblower protections to fellows or interns at
federal agencies." The vote was on the adoption of amendments. The House
adopted the amendments by a vote of 218-211. [House Vote 436,
12/9/21; Congressional
Quarterly, 12/9/21;
Congressional Actions, H.Amdt.
146;
Congressional Actions, H.R.
5314]
2021: Fitzpatrick Voted Against Requiring Witnesses Subpoenaed By
Congress To Testify And Present The Requested Information Unless
Forbidden By Federal Law Or Constitution. In December 2021,
Fitzpatrick voted against the Protecting Our Democracy Act which would,
according to Congressional Quarterly, "statutorily require witnesses
subpoenaed by Congress to testify and provide the requested information
unless prohibited by federal law or the Constitution." The vote was on
passage. The House passed the bill by a vote of 220-208. [House Vote
440, 12/9/21;
Congressional Quarterly,
12/9/21; Congressional Actions,
H.R.
5314]
2021: Fitzpatrick Voted Against Affirming Congress' Power To Enforce
Subpoenas Through Civil Lawsuits And Requiring Courts To Expedite Those
Lawsuits. In December 2021, Fitzpatrick voted against the Protecting
Our Democracy Act which would, according to Congressional Quarterly,
"affirm Congress' ability to enforce subpoenas through civil lawsuits
and require courts to expedite such lawsuits." The vote was on passage.
The House passed the bill by a vote of 220-208. [House Vote 440,
12/9/21; Congressional
Quarterly, 12/9/21;
Congressional Actions, H.R.
5314]