Congressman Fred Upton has served in the U.S. House since 1987. The Saint Joseph Republican says people in the district don’t care what party you represent they want the job done.
Upton is running for another two-year term in the 6th district, which includes the Southwest corner of Michigan. He spoke with WMUK's Gordon Evans.
Priorities and Record
Upton is Chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee. He says that the committee has passed many bills, most of them with bi-partisan support. Upton says his focus now is on “21st century cures” legislation which is designed to get drugs and devices to market quicker. He says that coupled with more money for research will help save lives. Upton says the legislation is supported by both Republicans and Democrats, and says that he has never had reservations about “reaching to the other side of the aisle.”
Tax Reform
Upton has long called for comprehensive tax reform. He says the current code is too long and too many people need CPA’s to file their taxes. Upton says a lower corporate tax rate combined with eliminating deductions and loopholes could keep companies from moving operations and jobs overseas. Upton says stories about Republican Presidential nominee Donald Trump’s tax returns show the need for reform. He says not many people knew that a loss could be drawn out over 20 years to avoid paying taxes.
Energy
Asked about energy, and reducing dependence on oil, Upton says great progress has been made. He says gas prices are down, and the United States is more energy independent. Upton says new technologies have reduced prices for natural gas and other sources. He says exporting crude oil is another positive step. Upton says energy which has moved through the Energy and Commerce Committee has helped improve the nation’s energy policy.
Foreign Policy
The authorization of force in Iraq was approved in 2002, Upton was among those who voted for it. He says that Saddam Hussein was violating agreements. But Upton also says the information in classified briefings was inaccurate, and says his vote to authorize war in Iraq would be different.
Presidential Election
After audio was released of Donald Trump making lewd comments about women, Upton called for Trump to consider stepping aside. Upton says he knew that Trump could not be forced off the ticket so close to the election. But Upton says there are many people in both the Republican and Democratic parties who are not happy with the choice for President. Upton has not endorsed Trump for President, but says he won the Republican nomination “fair and square.” Trump has also warned that the general election is “rigged.” But Upton says there is no reason to believe that elections are tainted. He says there is very little voter fraud.
Discussion of other issues can be heard in the extended version of the interview.
Trade
Upton says one out of three jobs in Michigan are tied to trade. He says the auto industry and agriculture are both reliant on trade. Upton says he supports “free, but fair trade.” He says that should include mechanisms to sanction countries with unfair trade practices. Upton says he opposes the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) in its current form. He says auto unions and companies have concerns, and Pfizer also has identified problems in TPP for pharmaceutical industry.
Guns
The interview with Upton was recorded on Tuesday when details of a shooting in Benton Harbor involving police were just becoming known. Upton says police officers should have body cameras to allow for proper investigation. Upton favors background checks on gun purchases, and says he supports denying the ability to acquire a firearm to someone on the “no fly” list or “terrorist watch” list with “due process.” Upton says he’s not sure how the February shooting in Kalamazoo could have been prevented. He says the accused shooter Jason Dalton had no criminal record and had not displayed any record of mental illness. But Upton says his committee is working on mental health legislation he says will provide more assistance to states and training for law enforcement to recognize signs of mental illness.
Immigration
Upton says immigration reform is too complicated for to be passed in the “lame duck” session of Congress. But he says it “has to happen next year.” Upton says border security should be part of comprehensive reform, but he says Mexico is not going to pay for the wall as Republican nominee Donald Trump has claimed. Upton says it’s not realistic to send 11-million people back to other countries. He says there should be a legal status for people who come here to work without citizenship to ensure people pay taxes and don’t have a felony record. Upton says if someone wants to become a U.S. citizen they have to go through a long process.
The Next Congress
The current House rules will not allow Upton to continue serving as Chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee after this year. Upton was asked if that, combined with a loss of Republican seats in the House and Senate would mean less influence for him (assuming he is re-elected). But Upton says he’s worked with Republicans and Democrats for his entire career in the House. Upton says whatever happens in the general election, Congress will have to have people who work together.
