West Michigan Congress Fred Upton says Paul Ryan is best equipped to become the new Speaker of the House. But it’s not clear right now if the Wisconsin Republican wants the job.
Upton describes Ryan as “governing Republican” who wants to get things done. But Upton says there are a number of Republicans “who vote no on virtually everything.” He says that makes it more difficult to build coalitions. 218 votes are needed to elect a Speaker of the House.
On other issues:
21st Century Cures
Upton has been working on bi-partisan legislation designed to help find cures for many diseases. He says it will boost funding for the National Institutes of Health. Upton says there are spending reductions to help pay for that additional funding. Upton says the Food and Drug Administration has sped up the approval process for some drugs. But he says there are drugs and medical devices approved in other countries which have not received approval in the United States.
Immigration
Some Republican candidates for President, including Donald Trump, have taken a hard line on immigration. Upton says he disagrees with the idea of trying to deport 11-million undocumented citizens. Upton was asked about the contrast between Governor Rick Snyder who says he would welcome Syrian Refugees to Michigan, and Republican Presidential candidate Ted Cruz, who said during a campaign stop in Kalamazoo that taking in Syrian refugees, would be disastrous. Upton says background checks would be needed to make sure that anyone coming from Syria has not been part of a terrorist group.
In the extended version of the interview, Upton also discusses a possible Congressional hearing into betting on sports fantasy leagues.
