Fitzpatrick to Speaker Johnson: Move congressional stock-trading ban – Bucks Round-Up – November 20, 2025
Fitzpatrick to Speaker Johnson: Move congressional stock-trading ban
U.S. Representative Brian Fitzpatrick (R-01) joined a bipartisan group of federal lawmakers in Washington, D.C. this week promising to heighten pressure on House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) to facilitate a vote to ban members of Congress from trading stocks. Representative Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL), another backer of the bill, told the press this week that she intends to pursue a discharge petition to force a floor vote if House Republican leaders fail to move the legislation. “The one thing that you can know about everyone that’s part of this coalition is these people all want to restore the massive gap that exists — the erosion of trust — between the public and the institutions,” Fitzpatrick said. “This is the very, very first, most important thing we need to do. It’s long overdue.”
Doylestown Borough forestalls ICE cooperation
On Monday night, Doylestown Borough’s all-Democratic council voted unanimously for a policy of noncooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, a reaction to intensified federal and local enforcement efforts against illegal immigration. Sheriff-Elect Danny Ceisler, a Democrat who unseated incumbent Republican Fred Harran, has already promised to end his office’s partnership with the federal agency. The resolution states, “Borough Council shall not voluntarily assist in any efforts by the federal government to apprehend, detain, or deport individuals pursuant to federal immigration laws within the borough.” The Central Bucks Regional Police Department currently does not participate in regional ICE efforts, a position Borough Council commended.
Middletown weighs tax options as 2026 budget process begins
Middletown Township supervisors have taken the first procedural steps toward a 2026 budget that could include tax hikes, though officials stressed no increases have been approved. In a unanimous vote, the board agreed to advertise the proposed budget, a possible earned income tax increase to 1%, and a draft ordinance raising the real estate levy caps for fire and ambulance services. Board Chair Mike Ksiazek said the actions are meant to make information available to residents before any decision is taken. Supervisor Dana Kane noted the township has been carrying a structural deficit for years, saying she has opposed projects she supported philosophically because the funding wasn’t there. Township Manager Eden Ratliff urged residents to review the budget online ahead of a town hall set for December 4 at 7 p.m. at the municipal center. The discussion is expected to draw strong interest as families remain wary of new local tax burdens.
Lower Makefield Police expand ‘Handle with Care’ program
Lower Makefield Township police are rolling out an expanded “Handle with Care” initiative aimed at improving interactions with residents who have mental-health or special-needs challenges. The program now features an online registry that allows families to submit information to help first responders tailor their approach during emergencies — a convenience upgrade from the previous in-person or mail-in system. The department is committing to broad officer training consistent with national best-practice standards. All sworn officers will receive mental-health awareness instruction and crisis-response training, and the township plans to utilize a full-time co-responder when cases warrant it. Police leaders say the goal is to strengthen community trust while ensuring that officers are equipped to respond effectively and safely.
PennDOT Opens Public Comment on U.S. 1 Improvements
PennDOT is inviting public input on a major project to reduce congestion and improve safety along a 2.7-mile stretch of U.S. Route 1 through Middletown Township, Langhorne Manor, and Langhorne Borough. An environmental assessment released this week outlines two options — including a “Build Alternative” identified as the preferred path — and examines the impacts on local natural and community resources. A public hearing is scheduled for December 10, 2025, with a 45-day comment window running through January 2, 2026. The full assessment is available at us1bucks.com and multiple local government offices and libraries. PennDOT will consider all comments as it finalizes plans for this long-awaited corridor upgrade.
Joe LeCompte hosts LeCompte in the Morning on WBCB 1490. Bradley Vasoli is the senior editor of The Independence.
