A Bipartisan Call for Unity and Solutions
The interview with Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) and Tom Suozzi (D-NY) on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on March 9, 2025, highlighted the urgent need for bipartisanship in addressing some of the most pressing issues facing the nation. As co-chairs of the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus, Fitzpatrick and Suozzi emphasized their commitment to finding common ground, even in a deeply divided political climate. Their conversation touched on topics ranging from the looming government shutdown to border security, the politicization of the FBI, and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Their discussion underscored the importance of collaboration and the dangers of partisan gridlock.
The Looming Government Shutdown: A Symptom of a Broken System
The interview began with a pressing question: the potential government shutdown set to occur on March 14th. Margaret Brennan asked whether Republicans could pass the continuing resolution (CR) on party lines or if Democratic votes would be necessary. Rep. Fitzpatrick acknowledged that the text of the bill had only recently been released and that lawmakers were still reviewing its contents. He expressed concerns about the partisan nature of the process, lamenting that the current system often prioritizes political wins over meaningful solutions. Fitzpatrick and Suozzi both agreed that government shutdowns are detrimental to the country and should be avoided at all costs. Fitzpatrick proposed a "no budget, no pay" policy for legislators to incentivize timely and bipartisan decisions.
Rep. Suozzi, who currently opposes the CR, criticized the lack of bipartisan outreach and negotiations. He predicted that while Republican leadership might attempt to push the bill through without Democratic support, it would face significant challenges in the Senate, where 60 votes are required for passage. Suozzi emphasized the need for compromise, warning that the current "my way or the highway" approach would ultimately fail and necessitate bipartisan cooperation. Both congressmen stressed that shutdowns are not just political attrition but have real-world consequences, particularly for national security and federal operations.
The Politicization of the FBI: A Threat to Democracy
The conversation shifted to the politicization of the FBI, a topic of growing concern. Brennan brought up the recent departure of James Dennehy, the former head of the FBI’s New York office, who alleged he was forced out due to clashes with Justice Department officials over a directive related to January 6th investigations. Fitzpatrick, a former FBI agent, expressed alarm over the politicization of the bureau, which he believes undermines its nonpartisan mission. He criticized former FBI Director James Comey for his public political statements, which Fitzpatrick argued eroded trust in the institution. Fitzpatrick proposed polygraph testing for political bias as part of the hiring process to ensure the FBI remains apolitical.
Suozzi echoed Fitzpatrick’s concerns, linking the politicization of the FBI to the broader erosion of democratic norms. He warned that such actions are "dangerously" destabilizing and called for a return to the bureau’s nonpartisan ideals. Both lawmakers agreed that the FBI must operate independently of political influence to maintain public trust and ensure the integrity of its investigations.
Immigration Reform: A Call for Comprehensive Solutions
The discussion turned to immigration, with Brennan noting that illegal border crossings are at historic lows. Suozzi acknowledged the progress but stressed the need for permanent legislative solutions to address border security, asylum reform, and legal immigration. He criticized Congress for failing to act on these issues for decades and highlighted the moral and economic imperative of fixing the broken system. Suozzi also emphasized the importance of treating migrants humanely and creating pathways for Dreamers, farmworkers, and essential workers to remain in the country legally.
Fitzpatrick added that immigration is not just a security issue but an economic and moral one. He highlighted the unique advantage the U.S. has as a nation of immigrants, attracting the "best and brightest" from around the world. Fitzpatrick called for a balanced approach that combines border security with policies that welcome those fleeing oppression and contribute to the economy. Both lawmakers expressed optimism that bipartisan cooperation could lead to meaningful reforms, though they acknowledged the challenges of finding common ground in the current political climate.
Support for Ukraine: A Moral and Strategic Imperative
The conversation also addressed U.S. support for Ukraine in its conflict with Russia. Brennan asked Fitzpatrick about reports that intelligence sharing with Ukraine had been restricted, which Fitzpatrick suggested might be part of a broader strategy to de-escalate the conflict. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that Russian President Vladimir Putin does not benefit from his invasion, as this would set a dangerous precedent for authoritarian leaders worldwide. Fitzpatrick called for continued support for Ukraine, framing it as a defense of freedom and democracy.
Suozzi, who also supports Ukraine, criticized former President Trump’s handling of the conflict and reiterated the importance of standing up to dictators like Putin. Both lawmakers echoed the warnings of retired military leaders, such as Gen. Ben Hodges, who argued that withholding support from Ukraine undermines U.S. strategic interests and moral leadership. Fitzpatrick and Suozzi agreed that the conflict in Ukraine is not just a regional issue but a global one, with implications for the stability of NATO and the future of democracy.
Town Halls and Constituent Engagement: Bridging the Divide
The interview concluded with a discussion on town halls and constituent engagement. Brennan noted that the National Republican Congressional Committee had advised members to hold virtual town halls, citing disruptions at in-person events. Fitzpatrick acknowledged the challenges of managing town halls, particularly when they are hijacked by protesters, but emphasized the importance of communicating with constituents. He suggested that every district should find the approach that works best for them, whether virtual or in-person.
Suozzi, who alsovalues town halls, reflected on the broader importance of bipartisanship in building trust with voters. He criticized disruptive behavior in Congress, such as the recent actions of Rep. Al Green (D-TX) during President Trump’s speech to Congress, and called for greater decorum and focus on substantive issues. Suozzi argued that Democrats and Republicans must work together to address the challenges facing the country, from the economy to national security, and that voters demand results, not partisan theatrics.
Conclusion: Bipartisanship as the Path Forward
Fitzpatrick and Suozzi’s conversation offered a rare glimmer of hope in an otherwise polarized political landscape. Their commitment to bipartisanship and their willingness to engage in constructive dialogue demonstrated that even in the face of deep divides, compromise is possible. The issues they discussed—from government funding to immigration reform and Ukraine—highlight the complexity of the challenges facing the nation and the need for collaborative solutions. As Fitzpatrick and Suozzi reminded viewers, the problems facing America are not partisan, and neither should be the solutions. By working across the aisle and putting the interests of the country above political ideology, lawmakers can begin to rebuild trust and move the nation forward.
