#PA01 folks, we simply MUST have a conversation...
1⃣ about #GOP Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick,
2⃣his vote against the #DomesticTerrorism bill that he previously co-sponsored,
3⃣and his statement on this vote.
I did a little digging this weekend, and what I found is WILD.
🧵/1
So, we know that #PA01's #GOp Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick co-sponsored the #DomesticTerrorism bill, and then did a complete reversal and voted NO on it.
He knew this behavior was SUPER-SKETCHY, so our #SilentBrian did something uncharacteristic - he issued a statement.
🧵/3
When you dig into #PA01 Fitzpatrick's statement, the language is full of red meat for his base.
He claims that changes were made to the bill, in his words, 'due to objections by the far-left Members of “The Squad.”'
And then Fitzpatrick goes explains to #PA01 that the new version includes "a last minute change to the original definition of #domesticterrorism... that would give DOJ too much leeway in picking and choosing what it considers to constitute domestic terrorism."
🧵/5
So I started to dig into what language changes made our #GOP Congressman so furious that he'd turn his back on a bill he had co-sponsored.
Here's the language change that upset Fitzpatrick.
It uses the EXACT definition of #DomesticTerrorism from 18 U.S. Code § 2331.
🧵/6
And here's the language that the original version of the bill uses. Please note all the exceptions and qualifications #PA01#GOP MoC Brian Fitzpatrick wanted to have in the bill.
He did NOT want to use the already established #DomesticTerrorism definition in our laws.
🧵/7
So what's the takeaway here?
Despite blaming "the Squad" and "the far left", the truth is that Brian Fitzpatrick of #PA01 did not want to use the already-established definition of #DomesticTerrorism.
He's the one who wanted exceptions and wiggle-room.
I wonder why?
🧵/end
A 🧵 postscript!
I discuss this situation at length with @RCPress on their most recent episode, which you can find here⤵️
Since it is so close to #ElectionDay2021 (which should be your focus), I’m just going to run down the votes and quotes, with basic links. #MoCTrack 1/20
Full Report- bit.ly/3BwI59Y
The House passed a bill to fund shelters and programs to address #DomesticViolence.
In case you were wondering why all those #GOP House members voted NO a #DomesticViolence prevention bill? This portion from the speech of Rep. Bob Good of Virginia gives you an idea.
I know we’re supposed to be excited about the #Infrastructure agreement in the Senate, but I can’t help but think the #GOP succeeded in delaying and slicing it down to the bone.
Let me clarify some stuff from earlier today.
We can draw some straight lines between...
1⃣ this @nytimes article
⬇️
2⃣the Deputy Acting AG Donoghue's notes
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3⃣ the #complicit actions of certain #Republican#Pennsylvania lawmakers
Part is illegible, but he's talking about a debunked theory that there were more votes placed in #Pennsylvania than there were registered voters. Again, this has been debunked.
#PA01’s @RepBrianFitz voted NO to making sure people in US custody have “soap, a toothbrush, toothpaste, adult diapers, and feminine hygiene products.”
#PA01’s @RepBrianFitz voted NO to making sure that babies and mother had access to "a clean diaper changing facility, which includes proper waste disposal, a hand washing station, and unrestricted access to diapers."
It appears the @BucksGOP was only ready to call out #racism when it meant they were protecting favored son (or in this case favored brother and #nepotism beneficiary) @RepBrianFitz of #PA01 from a more contentious primary challenge.
/2
And now that they are faced with another #racism issue, @BucksGOP is ready to circle the wagons for another #nepotism beneficiary.
Joan Cullen, who defended people in blackface and rejects the concept of systematic racism, is related to @BucksGOP vice chair Joseph Cullen.
/3