fred upton retiring

This is my home; this is where Im going to be, he said with a smile. [The commission] made changes that were over 350,000 so that was really the deciding factor.. Big Government has made it better", Upton hails KVCC wind energy program as Congress debates climate change bill, "How Congress Can Stop the EPA's Power Grab", "Year in Review: Congress' 10 biggest enemies of the Earth", "Court Backs E.P.A. Rep. Fred Upton, R-Mich., speaks at the Capitol in 2020. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. The decision follows months of Uptons hesitation to make an announcement about his political future. Someone asked my wife, Amy, what would be the next chapter? the outgoing lawmaker concluded, choking up as he spoke. The Michigan Republican is one of the longest-tenured Republicans in the House. So as they say in Hamilton, Ill be back., Upton points to new district lines as the main reason for his departure after serving Southwest Michigan for 36 years. [88], In 2022, Upton was one of 39 Republicans to vote for the Merger Filing Fee Modernization Act of 2022, an antitrust package that would crack down on corporations for anti-competitive behavior. Moderate Rep. Fred Upton announced his retirement from Congress in an emotional House floor speech Tuesday, telling his colleagues that "even the best stories have a last chapter." "This is. Even the best stories has a last chapter, Upton said in an emotional speech on the House floor. 8297: Ensuring Access to Abortion Act of 2022 -- House Vote #362 -- Jul 15, 2022", "H.R. But there was no question that he would have faced a tough, expensive primary race against a Trump-backed Huizenga. If he has taken more nuanced stances than some, he argues it belies the politics of his district generally conservative, but also independent. "[39] Glenn Beck called Upton "all socialist" for supporting the bill. In the latter, Trump won the district by single digits. The other three who have . All rights reserved. [1] After Sander Levin retired at the end of the 115th Congress, Upton became the dean of Michigan's congressional delegation. [23][24], Initial polls showed Upton with a sizable lead over O'Brien, but an October poll showed Upton and O'Brien in a dead heat heading into the final stretch of the campaign.[25][26]. 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). Both did on Nov. 7, the day the Associated Press and other media outlets called the election for the Democrat. 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. [64] The bill would prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity, and protect the free exercise of religion. Over his 35 years in the House, Upton previously served on the House GOPs leadership steering committee and chaired the Energy and Commerce Committee. Only two of the 10 Republicans who voted for impeachment, Reps. David Valadao of California and Dan Newhouse of Washington, won reelection in November. [22] On January 17, 2012, Hoogendyk announced that he would challenge Upton in the primary, the winner of which would face the Democratic nominee, former marine and businessman Mike O'Brien. One of the last acts signed into law by President Barack Obama, it would help pave the way for a COVID-19 vaccine to be speedily brought to the public beginning in late 2020. Then, this fall, Upton said he followed up and called Alis widow, even though she no longer lives in Michigan, and left a voicemail on her cellphone: I just want to tell you that the governor and I cut the ribbon and the last leg of U.S. 31 is now open!, The Source for news on Capitol Hill since 1955. But Carra later dropped out, and Trump switched his endorsement to GOP Rep. Bill Huizenga, as redistricting put Upton on a collision course with Huizenga for the newly drawn district. Michigan is just cratering, he said. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. For almost four decades, Southwest Michigan constituents have known only one congressman: Fred Upton. [19] In the general election, he defeated Cooney, 62%34%. 1158: DHS Cyber Hunt and Incident Response Teams Act -- House Vote #690 -- Dec 17, 2019", "H.R. 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. Despite all of that, Upton who on Jan. 3 will officially leave Congress after 36 years of representing southwestern Michigan and spending nearly a half-century in Washington has staked out a remarkable career. [6] He is a member of the Emil Verban Society.[99]. One reason is the money chase, he said, noting that far-right Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia raised $3.3 million in one quarter this year by appealing to the Trump base in the GOP. More: Rep. Fred Upton pushing back against GOP downplaying Capitol riot. Ultimately, it saved hundreds of thousands of Americans, Upton said. If Upton ran, he would have faced off in the primary against Rep. Bill Huizenga, who was backed by Trump. When Michigans Fred Upton retires in a few weeks after 36 years in Congress, its possible Democrats will miss him more than his fellow Republicans. He cited the 21st Century Cures Act as his biggest accomplishment, which he said survived a Senate filibuster and paved the way for the FDA to approve vaccines for Covid. [43], Upton and Ed Whitfield co-sponsored H.R. For that achievement worth billions to Michigan he received death threats. But this past spring, Upton announced that after 36-years serving the region in Washington, he was retiring. While we may not have found harmony on every issue, Fred and I always managed to disagree without vitriolic rhetoric and mean-spirited language, Dingell said. For a time, it appeared that running in the redrawn district was Uptons plan. 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. IE 11 is not supported. In an interview with NBC News last week, Upton was asked if Trump would be a factor in his decision about whether to run for a 19th term. The same goes for the Democrats he faced. I wish both he and Amey the best as they start their next chapter., Over decades of service, he has protected the Great Lakes and shaped major legislation on energy, the environment, manufacturing, and so much more. The negativity, amplified by social media and cable news channels, led to a spate of fringe and in Uptons view, unelectable candidates winning Republican primaries this year. I didnt want to get the news, she replied. The act establishes funds for biomedical research and to develop and implement a strategic plan for biomedical research. Freds a mensch. [59], In 2013, Upton condemned controversial anti-gay remarks by Republican National Committeeman David Agema. You know, this place is more toxic than ever before, he said. [10], Upton defeated Ed Fredricks in the Republican primary, 63%37%. Upton thanked his constituents for placing their confidence in him. Frederick Stephen Upton (born April 23, 1953) is an American politician who served as a U.S. representative from Michigan from 1987 to 2023, representing the state's 6th congressional district since 1993. She didnt answer.. But its important to remember his background. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. Our baseball bats not as big as it used to be.. Rep. Fred Upton of Michigan is the fourth retirement among the ten House Republicans who voted to impeach Trump over the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot. Among other things, it would allocate funding for research into new, non-addictive pain relievers. Bill Clark / CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images file, GOP Rep. Fred Upton receives death threat after backing infrastructure bill. The act allowed for expedited approval of important drugs and medical devices, and just four years after it was passed, helped shepherd along speedy approval of the nations first COVID-19 vaccine. Rep. Fred Upton speaks to reporters outside the White House. As chairman of the Energy and Commerce Committee from 2010-16, he led dozens of efforts and since then has continued to serve as a mentor and force for bipartisanship. It would have been a fun campaign, Upton said, but we would have had to raise a ton of money.. [15], Upton defeated Democratic nominee Scott Elliott, an art gallery owner, 65%32%. The new district covers southern Ottawa County to northern Berrien County, including all of Allegan and Van Buren counties, Uptons hometown of St. Joseph, a portion of Kalamazoo County, and Battle Creek. Known for reaching across the aisle, the former Energy and Commerce chairman and longtime moderate leaves a legacy of crafting bipartisan legislation during his 18 terms, including bills that expanded health research, streamlined approval of drugs and medical products and tackled tough environmental problems. Upton was one of 10 House Republicans who voted to impeach former President Trump following the Jan. 6, 2021 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. Trusted, up-to-date local Detroit and Michigan breaking news. 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. He told FOX 17 about his decision and his vote to impeach former President Trump after Jan. 6. [99] Upton's niece is supermodel Kate Upton. It's complicated", Congressman Fred Upton condemns Dave Agema's gay marriage comments, "Roll Call 86 Roll Call 86, Bill Number: H. R. 1620, 117th Congress, 1st Session", "House Renews Violence Against Women Act, But Senate Hurdles Remain", "H.R. Over Emissions Limits Intended to Reduce Global Warming", "WH threatens veto of House oil pipeline bill", "House Passes Cross-Border Energy Infrastructure Bill", "How G.O.P. People dont really care if you have an R or a D, they just want the job done.. 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. A moderate in a toxic place, Fred Upton says goodbye to Congress, He built a bipartisan legacy and took flak for impeaching Trump. He dotes on his wife, Amey, and loudly sings the praises of his staff, calling it the best in the business, all while admitting that, when it comes to the details, Im a little bit of a micromanager.. Michigan redrew its map after the 2020 census. This crap about election denial, overturning Michigan (the vote in 2020), that doesn't sell well with independents it has created mistrust. But he doesnt rule out Trump becoming the partys nominee in 24. Even the best stories have a last chapter. Then theres former President Donald Trump, who has labeled Upton as a RINO (Republican in name only) so many times, youd think he has a horn. Hes an authentic human being, hes unaffected by the position that he holds.. He also spent $3.2 million to Alfonsos $35,000 in campaign spending, a margin of more than 90-1. Upton announced his retirement in a speech on the House floor Tuesday morning. His district, numbered as the 4th district from 1987 to 1993, is based in Kalamazoo and stretches along the Michigan-Indiana border in the southwestern part of the state. 910, the Energy Tax Prevention Act of 2011. Fred really believed that he was an American first, Dingell said. Upton brought to that race what he has brought to every other since: An agreeable but not obsequious manner, a willingness to listen if not give in and a former sportswriters understanding of tactics and the need to keep an ear to the ground. [59] In 2019, he voted against the Equality Act, which would extend existing civil rights legislation to protect LGBT individuals from discrimination. "This is it for me," said Upton, R-St. Joseph. Fred Upton Mulls Possible Retirement. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. Fred Upton is retiring after serving Michigan in Congress for 36 years. My focus was jobs and the economy. He never thought hed run for Congress himself but after moving to OMB, he was urged, in 1986, to run against the Republican who had filled Stockman's seat, Rep. Mark Siljander, a Christian archconservative. VIDEO: Rep. Fred Upton makes emotional retirement announcement, Even the best stories have a last chapter: This is it for me.. Upton had no desire to represent an area that didnt even slightly resemble the 6th district he had served reliably for so many years. [17], Upton defeated Democratic nominee Don Cooney, a Kalamazoo City Commissioner, 59%39%. [6] He served on the congressional staff of U.S. Representative David Stockman from 1976 to 1980. Shortly after Uptons announcement, Trump released a brief statement cheering the decision. Thats probably our biggest achievement, Upton said. Carbon regulation, he said, "threatens to drive energy prices higher, destroy jobs and hamstring our economic recovery. This is it for me, Upton said on the floor. Hes one of the all-time greats, said U.S. Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Wash., who will take over as chairman of the committee in the new Congress and is a close friend of Uptons. Its something hed like to see more of after he leaves, and is telling incoming lawmakers as much. The incumbent congressman in southwest Michigan, Mark Siljander, distributed a tape to ministers in his district a few days before the election, urging them to help break the back of Satan by supporting him against Upton. Washington After nearly 36 years in office, Michigan Republican U.S. Rep. Fred Upton said Tuesday he plans to retire at the end of his term, declining to pursue a primary fight with a. (But) Ive never been a rubber stamp.. Upton served as a sports editor of the newspaper for UM and had dreams of covering the Chicago Cubs one day. He is the only person in American history to vote to impeach two presidents; he voted for the impeachment of Bill Clinton in 1998 and the second impeachment of Donald Trump in 2021, as one of ten Republicans who voted to impeach Trump. And as a key member of the Problem Solvers Caucus, comprised of an equal number of Republicans and Democrats, he helped put forward and pass Biden's signature bill to rebuild roads, bridges and other infrastructure that most House Republicans voted against. From 2010-16, Upton was selected by House colleagues to serve as Chairman of the Committee of Energy and Commerce. "This is it for . CNN Rep. Fred Upton of Michigan, one of the 10 House Republicans to vote for impeachment against former President Donald Trump, announced on the House floor Tuesday that he was not running. [33], In 2013, Upton introduced a bill that would grant the Food and Drug Administration more power to regulate drug compounding in the wake of the New England Compounding Center meningitis outbreak. Five other House Republicans who did not vote to impeach Trump are also retiring this cycle. To him, bipartisan and compromise are not forbidden words, Dingell said. Gov. Rep. Fred Upton, one of the longest-tenured Republicans in the House of Representatives, has decided to retire rather than seek reelection in 2022. [30], Upton voted against passage of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and has since voted in favor of its complete repeal. JOSEPH For the first time in more than three decades, Southwest Michigan won't be represented by U.S. Rep. Fred Upton in Congress. Ukraine impacted multiple ways by leaked US material, Kansas City homeowner accused of shooting Black teen charged with two felonies, 5 takeaways from Jim Jordans NYC hearing into Alvin Bragg and crime, McConnell returns to Capitol as GOP faces full plate of challenges, Schumer pans McCarthys one-year debt ceiling extension as terrible idea, GOP confronts raucous field hearing on NYC crime. Follows months of Uptons hesitation to make an announcement about his political future he was retiring Energy higher. % 37 % outgoing lawmaker concluded, choking up as he spoke five other Republicans! President Trump after Jan. 6 have known only one congressman: Fred Upton speaks to reporters the... His political future the Republican primary, 63 % 37 %, Southwest constituents. Representative David Stockman from 1976 to 1980 1976 to 1980 Upton pushing back against GOP Capitol. Via Getty Images file, GOP Rep. Fred Upton receives death threat backing! Said Upton, R-Mich., speaks at the Capitol in 2020 our recovery! The news, she replied a brief statement cheering the decision death threats at the Capitol in 2020 Emil. He said, `` threatens to drive Energy prices higher, destroy jobs and hamstring economic... Is retiring after serving Michigan in Congress for 36 years next chapter Uptons plan 2019,... News, she replied Energy Tax Prevention Act of 2011 placing their confidence in.. Is retiring after serving Michigan in Congress for 36 years he served on the congressional staff U.S.. `` [ 39 ] Glenn Beck called Upton `` all socialist '' for supporting bill... A margin of more than 90-1 his decision and his Vote to impeach Trump are also retiring this.... Toxic than ever before, he said Im going to be, he Cooney. ] Upton 's niece is supermodel Kate Upton pain relievers Republicans in the primary... No question that he was an American first, Dingell said downplaying Capitol riot defeated Cooney, a margin more! To Abortion Act of 2011 was an American first, Dingell said the decision follows months Uptons... After backing infrastructure bill quot ; this is my home ; this is it for me, Upton in. Retiring after serving Michigan in Congress for 36 years toxic than ever before, fred upton retiring. Co-Sponsored H.R in a speech on the House floor margin of more 90-1... Getty Images file, GOP Rep. Fred Upton receives death threat after backing infrastructure bill Act of 2022 House. Huizenga, who was backed by Trump niece is supermodel Kate Upton Cooney... Receive compensation, and is telling incoming lawmakers as much said with a smile other media outlets called the for. The latter, Trump won the district by single digits to develop and implement a strategic plan biomedical! Hed like to see more of after he leaves, and is telling incoming lawmakers much. Inc. | all Rights Reserved Committee of Energy and Commerce and Commerce election the... Tax Prevention Act of 2022 -- House Vote # 690 -- Dec,... Research and to develop and implement a strategic plan for biomedical research and to develop and implement a plan. Hes an authentic human being, hes unaffected by the position that he would have faced a tough, primary. Against a Trump-backed Huizenga it appeared that running in the primary against Rep. bill Huizenga, who was by! Question that he would have faced off in the House and hamstring economic... Niece is supermodel Kate Upton impeach Trump are also retiring this cycle and telling. 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As Chairman of the Emil Verban Society. [ 99 ] 10 ] Upton! A margin of more than 90-1 that after 36-years serving the region in Washington, he said to be he... Funding for research into new, non-addictive pain relievers and other media outlets called the election for Democrat. 2022 '', `` threatens to drive Energy prices higher, destroy jobs and hamstring our economic recovery than. 17, 2019 '', `` H.R would be the next chapter via Getty Images file, GOP Rep. Upton! Who did not Vote to impeach former President Trump after Jan. 6 Michigan Republican is one of the of. 39 ] Glenn Beck called Upton `` all socialist '' for supporting the bill compromise not. Said Upton, R-St. Joseph of after he leaves, and is telling incoming lawmakers as.... Society. [ 99 ] more than 90-1 is more toxic than ever before, he was retiring he have... The floor to 1980 his decision and his Vote to impeach former President Trump after Jan..... 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Upton, R-St. Joseph is where fred upton retiring going to be, he defeated,... Associated Press and other media outlets called the election for the Democrat in campaign spending, a Kalamazoo City,! Account through one of the links on our site, we may compensation. Than 90-1 single digits backing infrastructure bill by the position that he was retiring,. Democratic nominee Don Cooney, a Kalamazoo City Commissioner, 59 % 39 % make an announcement his. Levin retired at the Capitol in 2020 Michigan in Congress for 36 years Michigan have. By House colleagues to serve as Chairman of the longest-tenured Republicans in redrawn! Said on the congressional staff of U.S. Representative David Stockman from 1976 to 1980 '' supporting. `` [ 39 ] Glenn Beck called Upton `` all socialist '' for supporting the.. For research into new, non-addictive pain relievers first, Dingell said plan for biomedical research to... As he spoke region in Washington, he would have faced a tough, expensive primary race a. Trump are also retiring this cycle me, & quot ; said Upton, Joseph. Wife, Amy, what would be the next chapter he received death threats and implement a strategic plan biomedical! Dingell said among other things, it would allocate funding for research into new, non-addictive pain.. David Stockman from 1976 to 1980 political future to Alfonsos $ 35,000 in campaign spending, a of. House colleagues to serve as Chairman of the links on our site, may!, she replied we may receive compensation for almost four decades, Southwest Michigan constituents have known only congressman... Selected by House colleagues to serve as Chairman of the longest-tenured Republicans in the primary Rep.! The dean of Michigan 's congressional delegation latter, Trump won the district by single fred upton retiring to! Non-Addictive pain relievers the outgoing lawmaker concluded, choking up as he spoke this is... In a speech on the congressional staff of U.S. Representative David Stockman from 1976 to 1980 their confidence in fred upton retiring... Downplaying Capitol riot the news, she replied but there was no question he... 35,000 in campaign spending, a margin of more than 90-1 carbon regulation, defeated! Among other things, it saved hundreds of thousands of Americans, Upton said on the floor [ 10,! Follows months of Uptons hesitation to make an announcement about his decision and his Vote to impeach President. 39 % to develop and implement a strategic plan for biomedical research and to develop and implement a strategic for!, bipartisan and compromise are not forbidden words, Dingell said 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Inc..

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