He is one of the greatest Michiganders to serve our country., Congressman Bill Huizenga, who would have run against Upton in his next election, said, I want to thank Fred for his commitment, service, and dedication to Michigan over the years. For all that, said Dingell, Uptons essential nature is one of fostering camaraderie, an ability to lighten the mood, lighten the situation and make people feel better. U.S. Rep. Dan Kildee, D-Flint Township, said he turned to Upton, as a senior member of the House, when he was looking for an ally to help him secure aid for Flint in the wake of lead contamination of its water supply beginning in 2014. A statement on Uptons web site about his career says he remains focused on the issues that matter to folks in Southwest Michigan: Health care, jobs and economic growth, taking care of our military personnel and veterans, education, protecting our Great Lakes, delivering real results for families and businesses here at home, and much more., Homeowner watched via trail cam as man broke into hunting camp in Northern Michigan, stole several items, Alabama Jumpers: these snake-like worms are spreading across US, Powerball results for 04/04/22; jackpot worth $233 million. Rep. Fred Upton, one of the longest-tenured Republicans in the House of Representatives, has decided to retire rather than seek reelection in 2022. As unassuming as he is, however, he has been no pushover. It would have been a fun campaign, Upton said, but we would have had to raise a ton of money.. Mobile app for news, photos and video on the go. "[69][70], On December 18, 2019, Upton voted against both articles of impeachment against Trump. It was out of our hands, I mean, it is what it is, he said. Scott Wong is a senior congressional reporter for NBC News. IE 11 is not supported. In a hard-fought race in which Upton accused Siljander of missing dozens of votes and Siljander sent a tape to fundamentalist clergy in the area saying they needed to look at Satan in the face ahead of the GOP primary, Upton won. Huizenga beat little-known Democrat Joseph Alfonso by 12 points in November. Upton is the fourth of the 10 pro-impeachment Republicans to leave Congress after this years midterm elections, joining Adam Kinzinger of Illinois, Anthony Gonzalez of Ohio and John Katko of New York. But Carra dropped out of the race when redistricting drew both Upton and his GOP colleague, Rep. Bill Huizenga, into the same district, setting up a member-on-member primary. "UPTON QUITS! 1158),[85] which effectively prohibits ICE from cooperating with Health and Human Services to detain or remove illegal alien sponsors of unaccompanied alien children (UACs). A moderate in a toxic place, Fred Upton says goodbye to Congress, He built a bipartisan legacy and took flak for impeaching Trump. I was a Reagan domestic guy, he said. Upton laughed and explained he was still working on getting the highway funding, but the good news was about the Cures Act. Redrawn into the 4th district, Upton did not seek reelection in 2022, and retired from Congress upon his 18th term's expiration in 2023. ", "To him, bipartisan and compromise are not forbidden words," she said. Democrats face a steep climb to keep the majority in both chambers later this year, as the GOP will only need a net gain of five seats to win back the majority in the House. [47][48] He said the bill "is a sincere effort to focus a targeted solution to lessons learned from the Keystone Pipeline No one can rightly argue that the current presidential permit process as the State Department is not broken, no matter what side of the climate debate you're on. April 5, 2022 Facing new district lines and a tough primary race, Representative Fred Upton of Michigan, announced his retirement on Tuesday, becoming the fourth House Republican who voted to. Bipartisanship cripples legislative efforts, and even Michigans political landscape has changed drastically. [53][54] On November 5, 2021, Upton was one of 13 House Republicans to break with their party and vote with a majority of Democrats in favor of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Unlimited access to subscriber only articles on desktop, tablet and mobile web. Upton becomes the fourth Republican who voted to impeach Trump to announce their retirement this cycle, joining Reps. John Katko of New York, Adam Kinzinger of Illinois, and Anthony Gonzalez of Ohio. U. S. Representative Fred Upton (R-MI) is retiring, he announced in an emotional speech on the House floor Tuesday. [62], In 2021, Upton was one of 33 Republicans to vote for the LGBTQ Business Equal Credit Enforcement and Investment Act.[63]. Copyright 2023 CQ Roll Call. In November 2013, in response to Americans losing their health insurance coverage because of the ACA, Upton proposed a bill that would allow them to retain it. There are plenty of those in Washington and elsewhere who consider Upton a moderate Republican, a tag that has followed him around for years. He told FOX 17 about his decision and his vote to impeach former President Trump after Jan. 6. Only two of the 10 Republicans who voted for impeachment, Reps. David Valadao of California and Dan Newhouse of Washington, won reelection in November. Rep. Fred Upton, perennial target of disenchanted conservatives in Michigan's 6th Congressional District, is headed for a pitched battle in the 2022 Republican primary after former President. Michigan redrew its map after the 2020 census. JOSEPH For the first time in more than three decades, Southwest Michigan won't be represented by U.S. Rep. Fred Upton in Congress. But when confronted with the ugly reality of what Trump did (in denying the outcome of the 2020 election), when push really came to shove and others showed a high level of moral cowardice, he took the right course.. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. His retirement is a loss for this country and especially the people of Michigan.. 31 Democrats have announced they will not seek re-election. Kyle Stewart is an associate producer covering Congress for NBC News. In remarks on the floor of the House of Representatives, Upton praised the "salt of the earth" people he has been "blessed beyond measure" to represent. [6] He served on the congressional staff of U.S. Representative David Stockman from 1976 to 1980. But what also stands out about Upton who turns 70 next year and as a University of Michigan journalism student dreamed of being a sportswriter covering the Cubs is just how well he has managed to get along with so many of his colleagues in what can be a rough business. [7], Upton ran in Michigan's 4th congressional district against incumbent Mark Siljander, Stockman's successor. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. He also led countless efforts to help west Michigan including spending decades on a project linking US-31 to Interstate 94 in Berrien County, which was finally completed this year. As for Trumps impact in Michigans top-of-the-ballot races, its already known: His picks lost badly and Republicans gave up control of the state Legislature for the first time in decades. 3301; 113th Congress), both articles of impeachment against Trump, United States Congressional International Conservation Caucus, "Upton becomes first member of Congress to vote to impeach two presidents", https://www.mlive.com/news/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2013/04/david_stockman_former_southwes.html, "Club for Growth Encouraging Upton Primary Challenger", "Fred Upton still faces arrows from the right", "Jack Hoogendyk to challenge U.S. Rep. Fred Upton again for seat in Congress", "Southwest Michigan Politics: Mike O'Brien poll shows challenger in 'dead heat' with Congressman Fred Upton", "Michigan Election Results: Sixth House District", "House votes to remove Marjorie Taylor Greene from committee assignments", "With Enrollment Slow, Some Democrats Back Change in Health Law", "The 2 House Republicans who put it all on the line for Obamacare repeal could lose Tuesday", https://www.cbsnews.com/news/21st-century-cures-act-congress-health-care-passed/, https://wdet.org/posts/2018/05/24/86819-rep-fred-upton-and-rep-debbie-dingell-team-up-to-battle-opioid-addiction/, "Long Live the Lightbulb. The Michigan Republican is one of the longest-tenured Republicans in the House. Upton made the announcement. Hes an authentic human being, hes unaffected by the position that he holds.. Upton thanked his constituents for placing their confidence in him. Fred really believed that he was an American first, Dingell said. That vote made him the only member of Congress in history to vote to impeach two presidents, having backed the effort to oust President Bill Clinton in December 1998. After 36 years representing St. Joseph, Michigan, Congressman Fred Upton is ready for a new chapter. [40], In April 2009, Upton said that "climate change is a serious problem that necessitates serious solutions. He was in Ann Arbor, alongside Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps (who trained at Michigan) for the coin flip against Penn State and got to remain on the field for the entire game. But its important to remember his background. Long-time Republican Rep. Fred Upton of Michigan announced his retirement on Tuesday, and former President Donald Trump found immediate reason to celebrate. Democrats argued it wasnt enough and would strip many of affordable health care: Upton said his position had always been a consistent one. [57], In March 2021, Upton was one of eight Republicans to join the House majority in passing the Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2021. After the attack on the Capitol building on January 6th, 2021, Upton was one of only a handful of Republican lawmakers, including freshman Michigan Representative Peter Meijer, to impeach former President Donald Trump for his involvement in the days deadly events. In fact, a bill named for him and Michigan Congresswoman Debbie Dingell ensures the Great Lakes' safety against issues caused by pipelines below its surface. Upton agreed with Trump on many points, including his 2017 tax cuts, strengthening border security and immigration reform. I wish both he and Amey the best as they start their next chapter.. [14] He won the general election with 69% of the vote. [28], Upton has been a member of moderate Republican factions The Tuesday Group and the Republican Main Street Partnership. 4 down and 6 to go. This is it for me, he said about 10 a.m. Tuesday, April 5. GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. For almost four decades, Southwest Michigan constituents have known only one congressman: Fred Upton. Dubai 'Butt Squad' model worried for Ukrainian parents aft Woman fatally shot by upstate NY homeowner after pulling into wrong driveway: sheriff, Haribo fans shocked to learn green gummy bear flavor: 'Calling the police', Yuengling takes apparent jab at Bud Light with conspicuous tweet, Bill Hader says Carol Burnett emailed him to say theyre cousins: Its insane, Mike & Molly star Billy Gardell details 150-pound weight loss: My diabetes is gone, Pump Rules alum Billie Lee exits Tom Sandovals home in same clothes from night prior, Larry Brooks previews seventh playoff series between Rangers, Devils, Even AOC Cant Believe Netflix Crashed During Love Is Blind Live Reunion, Viewers pan Kelly Ripa, Mark Consuelos' 'brutal' first 'Live' show together. Fred Upton Mulls Possible Retirement. I know that Mr. Upton will continue getting things done for Michiganders and leading on the issues that matter most in our great state.. Upton was one of ten Republicans who voted to impeach former President Donald Trump over the Capitol riots in January of 2021. Exclusive podcasts from our top journalists. Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way, Excellence in Education Award Nominations, ELECTION RESULTS: See races across West Michigan. [citation needed], Upton was reelected with 50.2% of the vote against Democratic nominee Matt Longjohn (45.75%) and U.S. Taxpayers Party candidate Stephen Young (4.1%). I mean, you know, the top three candidates [on the statewide ballot in November] were all election deniers. "[49] Upton added, "we're creating a fair and transparent approval process for cross-border energy projects, putting them all on a level playing field for the benefit of North American energy security, lower energy prices, and jobs. "[42] He led a failed effort to stop the Obama administration from enforcing the new energy standards. One important effect of this legislation was to pave the way for faster vaccine approval, including the first Pfizer vaccine produced in Kalamazoo, Upton said. "Ive worked with seven administrations, seven House speakers, none of them would call me a rubber stamp. Mr. Uptons leadership is bipartisan, commonsense, and empathetic, said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. Rep. Fred Upton, a Republican from Michigan, listens during a news. Debbie Dingell, who has been close friends with the Uptons for decades and said she speaks to Fred almost daily, said she has only seen him angry when people arent treating other people decently., Its just crossing a line, said Dingell, who in the last few weeks of the current Congress, gave Upton a desk in her office as departing members were forced to give up their spaces to prepare for incoming members. Bill Clark / CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images file, GOP Rep. Fred Upton receives death threat after backing infrastructure bill. [58], In 2004 and 2006, Upton voted for a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage. And then itll be more in the next Congress.. Glenn Beck called him all socialist. The conservative Club for Growth took out TV ads against him. Hes a friend. He released a profanity-laced voicemail that contained death threats and against him, his family and staff, and some GOP colleagues wanted those 13 lawmakers booted off their committees. April 5, 2022, 8:07 AM PDT By Scott Wong and Kyle Stewart Michigan Rep. Fred Upton, a centrist stalwart who later was one of 10 Republicans who voted to impeach Donald Trump over his role in. 4 down and 6 to go. [34] In 2016, Obama signed the 21st Century Cures Act[35] into law, a bill Upton co-sponsored. Thompson Dennis; Congress passes 21st Century Cures Act with billions for new research, treatments; CBS News; December 8, 2016; Rep. Fred Upton and Rep. Debbie Dingell Team Up to Battle Opioid Addiction; WDET; May 24, 2018; Zipp, Yvonne; Michigan Live; December 12, 2013; 2000 United States House of Representatives elections in Michigan District 6, 2002 United States House of Representatives elections in Michigan District 6, 2004 United States House of Representatives elections in Michigan District 6, 2006 United States House of Representatives elections in Michigan District 6, 2008 United States House of Representatives elections in Michigan District 6, 2010 United States House of Representatives elections in Michigan District 6, 2012 United States House of Representatives elections in Michigan District 6, 2014 United States House of Representatives elections in Michigan District 6, 2016 United States House of Representatives elections in Michigan District 6, 2018 United States House of Representatives elections in Michigan District 6, 2020 United States House of Representatives elections in Michigan District 6, New England Compounding Center meningitis outbreak, Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, Massachusetts v. 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