Rep. Mike Fitzpatrick (R-PA) supports increasing Social Security payments

[UrbScotty]

While the House GOP and conservative Democrats have been calling for Social Security spending to be reined in, a subset of Republicans has acknowledged a different reality: The old-age program does not now keep up with the costs facing seniors. At least one House Republican is committed to increasing Social Security payments by changing how the annual cost of living adjustment (COLA) is calculated, according to a letter sent to a constituent.

In a letter dated June 5, Rep. Mike Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.) explained to a constituent that the current method of calculating price hikes doesn't accurately account for all the costs seniors pay and that a consumer price index designed specifically for people age 62 and over would be a far better gauge.

"I am not willing to ask seniors to bear a disproportionate share of the burden," he wrote.

Last Congress, Fitzpatrick co-sponsored H.R. 456, which would have required the creation of a consumer price index for elderly consumers, he noted.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/06/06/mike-fitzpatrick-social-security_n_3398880.html

Before redistricting, he used to represent a marginal district. Anyone know if that's still true now?

[ladjf]

1. He needs to change to the Democratic Party. nt

[UrbScotty]

3. Not sure about that - he'd definitely be a blue dog on other issues.

[DJ13]

2. What the hell is wrong with him?!

Republicans aren't supposed to be rational in todays political climate.

[Scuba]

4. A member of the "professional left" no doubt. I suppose he wants unicorns and rainbows too.

[cap]

5. Uhh...Fitzpatrick is only thinking of himself

He represents a swing district with lots of seniors in it.

His district had to be gerrymandered for him to win this time.

We are working to get him out