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Fitzpatrick, a moderate from Bucks County, was one of two Republicans in the House to vote against the measure.

Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R., Pa.) speaks during the opening session of the National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU) Legislative Conference at the Hilton Washington DC National Mall The Wharf, Tuesday, March 4, 2025, in Washington. Rod Lamkey, Jr. / AP Photo

By Julia Terruso, Philadelphia Inquirer

House Republicans passed President Donald Trump’s sweeping domestic spending and tax policy package Thursday — without the help of one member: U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick.

Fitzpatrick, a moderate who represents Bucks County, joined one Republican, Rep. Thomas Massie (R., Ky.) and all Democrats in voting against the bill on final passage. He had also opposed a procedural vote late Wednesday, signaling his opposition to the legislation. The bill, which passed the House 218-214, now heads to Trump’s desk for signing.

In a statement, Fitzpatrick said the Senate’s amendments to Medicaid prompted his change of heart. He had voted for the House version of the bill in May, which passed by just one vote.

“The original House language was written in a way that protected our community; the Senate amendments fell short of our standard,” he said in a statement. “I believe in, and will always fight for, policies that are thoughtful, compassionate, and good for our community.”

Fitzpatrick’s vote against the bill surprised many Republican colleagues, as he hadn’t publicly expressed doubt or concern with it, and wasn’t actively being lobbied by GOP leadership.

Pennsylvania’s nine other Republican members of Congress voted against the bill, which is expected to become a major target of attack in the 2026 midterm elections.

The bill re-ups Trump’s 2017 tax cuts, increases defense, energy production, and border security spending, and reduces federal spending on Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as SNAP. It is projected by the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) to increase the deficit by $3.3 trillion.

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