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U.S. Representative Fred Upton (R-MI) announced his retirement in an emotional speech on the House floor Tuesday. Having served 18 terms, Upton is one of the longest-serving Republicans in the House.
Upton has served as the U.S. representative for Michigan’s 6th congressional district since 1987. “Even the best of stories has a last chapter, this is it for me,” Upton said.
“As a former Boy Scout, I believe in leaving the campground better than one found it,” Upton said. “I’ve worked with seven administrations, seven House speakers — none of them would call me a rubber stamp. If it’s good policy for Michigan, it’s good enough for all of us.”
.@RepFredUpton announces retirement: "Even the best stories has a last chapter. This is it for me." pic.twitter.com/32Sj1tqKJj
— CSPAN (@cspan) April 5, 2022
“I’ve done the zillions of airline miles back and forth, I’ve signed ‘Fred’ to over a million letters, cast more votes than anyone in this chamber while here, and by most accounts succeeded in making a difference accomplishing what I set out to do with more unfinished work still yet to come,” Upton said.
Rep. Debbie Dingell, a Democratic congresswoman from Michigan, spoke on the House floor following Upton’s announcement, calling him “a devoted public servant … for all of Michigan and our nation.”
“To him, ‘bipartisan’ and ‘compromise’ are not forbidden words,” she said. “Fred knew well that if we are going to deliver real solutions for the American people we need to come together and listen to all perspectives, no matter how complicated the issue might be.”
Upton was one of 10 House Republicans who voted for the second impeachment against former President Donald Trump. He is the fourth Republican who backed impeachment to not seek reelection, joining Reps. John Katko of New York, Anthony Gonzalez of Ohio and Adam Kinzinger of Illinois.
Upton said in a statement at the time, “our country cannot and will not tolerate any effort by any president to impede the peaceful transfer of power.”
In a statement Tuesday celebrating the congressman’s announcement, Trump said: “UPTON QUITS! 4 down and 6 to go. Others losing badly, who’s next?”
