But in retelling stories about important bills, Uptons fondest memories are about the people who helped get them passed. But its important to remember his background. The other three who have . [12], After redistricting, Upton decided to run in the newly redrawn Michigan's 6th congressional district, winning reelection to a fourth term with 62% of the vote. When the late Howard Wolpe, a Kalamazoo Democrat who left Congress when his district was merged into Uptons, fired off a letter accusing Upton of moving too far to the right to gain his chairmanship in 2011, Upton fired back noting that there had been Democratic support for rolling back some regulations. Upton won by 16 percentage points. When I first ran, I thought Id be here 10.. [76], On May 19, 2021, Upton was one of 35 Republicans who joined all Democrats in voting to approve legislation to establish the January 6 commission meant to investigate the Capitol attack. [89][90], Upton's grandfather and eponym, Frederick Upton, was co-founder with his brother Louis Upton of appliance manufacturer and marketer Whirlpool Corporation, headquartered in Benton Harbor. In 2020, for the 18th time, Upton won reelection to his seat representing Michigans 6th Congressional District. Everything must be on the table. 4 down and 6 to go. From 2010-16, Upton was selected by House colleagues to serve as Chairman of the Committee of Energy and Commerce. So Ive been here 36 years. [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. 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. Leaders Came to View Climate Change as Fake Science", Scoop: Fred Upton joins bipartisan Climate Solutions Caucus, A Legislative Solution For Net Neutrality Is At Hand. 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. But there was no question that he would have faced a tough, expensive primary race against a Trump-backed Huizenga. Thinking back on his legacy in Congress, Upton points to his shining accomplishment: the passage of the 21st Century Cares Act in 2016. "UPTON QUITS! If Upton ran, he would have faced off in the primary against Rep. Bill Huizenga, who was backed by Trump. Speaking to reporters afterward, Upton pointed to redistricting as a key factor in his decision to retire,. 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. Over the years, he has taken fire from both sides. This content is only available to subscribers. I wish both he and Amey the best as they start their next chapter.. If he has argued for limiting the EPAs hold on greenhouse gas emissions, he also has voted against loosening methane emission rules and acknowledges that climate change is real, unlike many in his party. Unlimited access to subscriber only articles on desktop, tablet and mobile web. Upton, who may be best known as the uncle of supermodel Kate Upton, was forced to compete with Huizenga for the same southwestern Michigan district after the Great Lakes State lost a House seat following the 2020 Census. LANSING, MI After three decades representing West Michigan in Congress, U.S. Rep. Fred Upton, R-St. Joseph, announced his plan to retire on Tuesday. Rep. Upton also points to his work restoring jobs to the states vital auto industry and his work to protect the Great Lakes. Next: Ivanka Trump set to testify before Jan. 6 panel, AP sources say. Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.) spoke on the floor following Uptons announcement, asking for more of her colleagues to work across the aisle like Upton did. "If its good policy for Michigan, its good enough for all of us," he said. Fred and I have worked together on a host of issues including prioritizing the protection of the Great Lakes, leveling the playing field for Michigan agriculture, and supporting efforts to clean up PFAS and lead contamination. Trump endorsed a Republican primary challenger against Upton, state Rep. Steve Carra. Upton was one of ten Republicans who voted to impeach former President Donald Trump over the Capitol riots in January of 2021. 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 Rep. Fred Upton, a centrist stalwart who later was one of 10 Republicans who voted to impeach Donald Trump over his role in the Jan. 6 attack, said Tuesday that he would not run for re-election after 18 terms in the House. [58], In 2004 and 2006, Upton voted for a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage. [4] He attended Shattuck-Saint Mary's, graduating in 1971. "[45], In 2012, Upton, as chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, said that Congress's refusal to set greenhouse gas limits "constituted a decision and that lawmakers should act now to reverse the EPA emissions rules." 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Rep. Fred Upton, one of the longest-tenured Republicans in the House of Representatives, has decided to retire rather than seek reelection in 2022. Exclusive podcasts from our top journalists. [30], Upton voted against passage of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and has since voted in favor of its complete repeal. But, he said, its going to be a group that will have a seat at the table. After Sander Levin retired at the end of the 115th Congress, Upton became the dean of Michigan's congressional delegation . Upton announced his retirement in a speech on the House floor Tuesday morning. THE HILL 1625 K STREET, NW SUITE 900 WASHINGTON DC 20006 | 202-628-8500 TEL | 202-628-8503 FAX. More recently, he served as a vice chair of the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus, which pushes for civility and centrist legislation, such as the $1.2 trillion infrastructure package that was signed into law last year. [36] In 2018, Upton and Representative Debbie Dingell worked together on legislation designed to combat opioid addiction. 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. [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. The move turned a tight race into a 55-45 percent loss for Siljander. Follow him on Twitter @tsspangler. Deeply concerned about the presidents speech, which he felt incited the attack, and knowing as someone who had publicly said he believed Biden had won that he could be targeted, Upton calmly locked the door and ate boxes of Raisin Bran that had been stashed there, fielding calls from people back in the district worried about his health. [34] In 2016, Obama signed the 21st Century Cures Act[35] into law, a bill Upton co-sponsored. "Ive worked with seven administrations, seven House speakers, none of them would call me a rubber stamp. The final results of Michigans 6th Congressional race left Upton with 58.1% of the vote and Democrat Jon Hoadley with 37.89% of the vote. A free market no more? As unassuming as he is, however, he has been no pushover. 8373: To protect a person's ability to access contraceptives -- House Vote #385 -- Jul 21, 2022", "Democrats' contraception bill would force taxpayer funding for Planned Parenthood", "House passes antitrust bill that hikes M&A fees as larger efforts targeting tech have stalled", "H.R. UPTON QUITS! "UPTON QUITS! 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. My district was cut like Zorro three different ways, the Michigan Republican told reporters. Huizenga beat little-known Democrat Joseph Alfonso by 12 points in November. [11] In the general election, he was reelected to a third term with 58% of the vote. JOSEPH For the first time in more than three decades, Southwest Michigan won't be represented by U.S. Rep. Fred Upton in Congress. 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. The former president took a victory lap just moments after Upton announced his retirement. Over the years, he faced several Republican challengers but always defeated them handily. "Fred Upton embodies the very integrity, intelligence and civility our country needs more than ever," said Rep. Dean Phillips, D-Minn., one of the leaders of the Problem Solvers group who joined Upton at a bipartisan dinner Monday night. People dont really care if you have an R or a D, they just want the job done.. With the redistricting in Michigan that went into effect this year, Upton would have been forced to run against U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga, R-Zeeland, in the primary, due to new congressional district boundaries that place the two multi-term congressmen in the same district -- Michigans newly created Fourth District. U. S. Representative Fred Upton (R-MI) is retiring, he announced in an emotional speech on the House floor Tuesday. But he made no mention of Trump in his speech or his decision to impeach him. To him, bipartisan and compromise are not forbidden words, Dingell said. Rep. Dingell noted how much Upton means to her and her family, as he was so close to her late husband. In 2017, before voting for an ultimately unsuccessful attempt to repeal and replace Obamacare, he demanded (and got) an $8 billion commitment from an exasperated and angry Trump to reduce premiums for people with preexisting conditions. Upton did so and the two wrote legislation requiring the government to publicize water quality issues when they arise. [78], In June 2021, Upton was one of 49 House Republicans to vote to repeal the AUMF against Iraq. by Kelsey Carolan - 04/05/22 10:33 AM ET Greg Nash Rep. Fred Upton (R-Mich.), a longtime member of Congress who has served in the lower chamber since 1987, announced his retirement Tuesday in. He was first elected in 1986. Over his 35 years in the House, Upton previously served on the House GOPs leadership steering committee and chaired the Energy and Commerce Committee. 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. Environmental Protection Agency, North American Energy Infrastructure Act (H.R. It wasnt even close. Ultimately, it saved hundreds of thousands of Americans, Upton said. [74] On January 21, 2021, the Allegan County Republican Party censured Upton for his vote to impeach Trump. [18], Upton defeated former State Representative Jack Hoogendyk in the Republican primary, 57%43%. 4 down and 6 to go. My decision was really based on redistricting, he said. THE FCC JUST KILLED NET NEUTRALITY. He is now a Libertarian and also is retiring this year. Newsletters on topics that interest you most. 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. 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. Shortly after Uptons announcement, Trump released a brief statement cheering the decision. Im convinced that we came within minutes of having a massacre on the House or Senate floor, said Upton, describing how he watched the mob move up the streets of D.C., past his office and to the Capitol, and picking up bits of broken glass in the building later in the night. "[41] But "Upton has gradually retreated from his moderate stance on climate change and carbon emissions. And it was, again, the independent voters that really determined the results., The loss of moderates like Upton will reduce the membership of the Problem Solvers Caucus from 58 to around 50 in the next Congress, he predicted. On July 19, 2022, Upton and 46 other Republican Representatives voted for the Respect for Marriage Act, which would codify the right to same-sex marriage in federal law. Even through our toughest discussions, Fred always found a way to make me laugh - except today. Is there a worldwide run on the Bank of the United States of America? Rep. Fred Upton (R-MI), one of the 10 House Republicans who voted to impeach former President Trump in the aftermath of the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol, revealed that he has not yet decided if he will run for reelection in 2022, The Hill reports. He was accompanied by his close friend, Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.), on the House floor while delivering his speech, as he pointed to his next chapter with his family. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. [6] He is a member of the Emil Verban Society.[99]. Its something hed like to see more of after he leaves, and is telling incoming lawmakers as much. He falls into easy conversation about anything U-M sports, politics, whatever with just about anybody. "As a former boy scout, I believe in leaving thecampground better than one found it," Upton said in his floor remarks Tuesday. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. He is now the 16th Republican to retire or seek another office ahead of the 2022 midterms, compared with 31 Democrats. Reagan worked both sides of the aisle to get things done, caring less about who got the credit, and I made a promise that such a principle would be my guiding light, the congressman added referring to former President Reagan. I got a lot of unfinished business that Im going to be working on now. Former President Donald Trump endorsed Huizenga a few weeks ago and had vowed to try to unseat Upton after he, along with nine other Republicans, voted to impeach Trump for instigating the Jan.. Upton had no desire to represent an area that didnt even slightly resemble the 6th district he had served reliably for so many years. He does have this magnetic pull on 35%-40% of the base and theyre going to be there for him.. It wouldnt be difficult to list many more accomplishments, including having won 18 elections in a district that has swung politically in national elections. 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. 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. CQ Roll Call is a part of FiscalNote, the leading technology innovator at the intersection of global business and government. I look at our district [hugging southern Lake Michigan]. The same goes for the Democrats he faced. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. And when Trump in 2019 lashed out at the Dingells both John, who had died earlier that year, and his wife and successor, Rep. Debbie Dingell, D-Ann Arbor Upton called directly on the president to apologize. Debbie was my first call, said Upton. "This is it for . [6] He served on the congressional staff of U.S. Representative David Stockman from 1976 to 1980. Indeed we will.. [39], Upton's website once stated: "I strongly believe that everything must be on the table as we seek to reduce carbon emissions. 8297: Ensuring Access to Abortion Act of 2022 -- House Vote #362 -- Jul 15, 2022", "H.R. Upton agreed with Trump on many points, including his 2017 tax cuts, strengthening border security and immigration reform. [81], Upton voted for the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2020 which authorizes DHS to nearly double the available H-2B visas for the remainder of FY 2020. [59], In 2013, Upton condemned controversial anti-gay remarks by Republican National Committeeman David Agema. [60], In 2021, Upton was one of 29 Republicans to vote to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act. 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