Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania’s 1st District has urged key federal officials to prioritize public health oversight following a recent executive order on glyphosate-based herbicides. In a letter addressed to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, and Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., Fitzpatrick expressed concern about the President’s directive titled “Promoting the National Defense by Ensuring an Adequate Supply of Elemental Phosphorus and Glyphosate-Based Herbicides.”
Fitzpatrick stated that while national security is important, it should not come at the expense of public health protections. He highlighted the risks associated with glyphosate and similar chemicals, referencing their links to cancer. “These chemicals, used in certain herbicides, have been linked to cancers across the country, and offering immunity for production of glyphosate under the 1950 Defense Production Act with no oversight or accountability measures risks future endangerment to Americans’ health,” Fitzpatrick wrote.
He also called attention to progress made in reducing chronic disease rates and removing harmful substances from food supplies. “As our nation’s chronic disease epidemic persists, I ask that the Administration remains focused on the positive gains that have been made. The elimination of harmful dyes and chemicals by industry leaders are crucial steps towards improving the overall health of our Nation,” he added.
Fitzpatrick requested clarification on three main points: the emergency rationale for granting immunity under the Defense Production Act; how agencies will ensure oversight during implementation; and what policies are being considered to further reduce harmful dyes and chemicals in food.
The Congressman stressed that national defense efforts must include transparency and accountability. “Emergency powers should never come at the expense of long-term public health,” said Fitzpatrick. “Americans deserve clarity, oversight, and confidence that protecting our security does not mean compromising their safety.”
Fitzpatrick has a record of bipartisan work on public health issues. As Co-Chair of both the PFAS Task Force and Cancer Caucus, he has advocated for stronger regulations on toxic substances in food and water as well as increased funding for cleanup efforts.
Among his recent initiatives are provisions in this year’s National Defense Authorization Act creating a Department of Defense coordinator for PFAS-impacted communities; legislation launching assessments on indoor air quality in schools; bills supporting municipal water treatment upgrades; support for codifying national drinking water standards related to PFAS; and proposals seeking major increases in cancer research funding.
Brian Fitzpatrick has represented Pennsylvania’s 1st District since 2017 after succeeding Mike Fitzpatrick. Born in Philadelphia in 1973, he currently resides in Levittown. He graduated from La Salle University with a Bachelor’s degree in 1996 before earning his law degree from Pennsylvania State University’s Carlisle campus in 2001.
His continued focus is ensuring that America’s health remains a top priority alongside national security concerns.
