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Interviews with news makers and discussion of topics important to Southwest Michigan. Subscribe to the podcast through Apple itunes and Google. Segments of interview are heard in WestSouthwest Brief during Morning Edition and All Things Considered

WSW: Amash Says Investigation Needed Of Serious Allegations

Chris Killian
/
WMUK

West Michigan Congressman Justin Amash says there are serious allegations to be considered, and if some are proven true, they could lead to the impeachment of President Trump. But Amash emphasizes “we’re not there.”

Amash said last month that allegations that the President tried to convince then FBI Director James Comey to stop the investigation into Russian interference in last year’s election could rise to an impeachable offense, if they were proven true. Amash says he was answering a hypothetical question, and it’s important for an investigation to run its course. Amash spoke with WMUK’s Gordon Evans on Thursday just before a town hall meeting at the Kool Family Community Center in Battle Creek.

A resolution introduced in the House, calls for Congress to appoint a bi-partisan independent commission to investigate Russian interference in last year’s election. Amash is one of two Republican co-sponsors. Since the resolution was introduced former FBI Director Robert Mueller has been appointed Special Counsel. Amash says he prefers an independent investigation, and would still like Congress to appoint a panel to work “hand in hand” with the Special Counsel. 

Health Care

Amash voted for the American Health Care Act because he says it’s “marginally better” than the current Affordable Care Act. The Grand Rapids Republican says he would like to start over on health care, and address the rising costs of premiums. Amash says he voted for the Republican-backed health care bill hoping that the Senate would make improvements. But he says some minor changes could make it worse. Amash says “it’s not that hard to flip me from a yes to no on this.”

Asked about a Congressional Budget office report that the AHCA would leave 23-million more people without insurance by 2026, Amash says CBO reports are not always accurate, and should not be taken as “gospel.” Amash says what matters is having the right rules in place to provide for a greater level of access while keeping costs down. Amash says concerns about pre-existing conditions should be separated from the insurance market. He says one way or another coverage for people with pre-existing conditions will be paid for. Amash says that should not cause the end of the private insurance market.

Saudi Arabia

President Trump announced a $110-billion arms deal with Saudi Arabia during his recent overseas trip. Amash and other members of Congress trying to block the deal. He says Saudi Arabia has not been a reliable ally, has supported extremism throughout the world and has a terrible human rights record. Amash says sales should go through Congress because weapons can end up in the hands of people who want to harm us, or harm others around the world.

Paris Accord

The interview with Amash was recorded Thursday just after President Trump announced that the United States is withdrawing from the Paris Climate Accord. Amash says the U.S. was never in the Paris accord because the treaty was not ratified by the Senate. On the substance, Amash says the agreement is largely “unenforceable” and “aspirational.” He says it’s the kind of agreement that needs to be implemented correctly over time. Amash says that’s why there should be a debate in the Senate over the agreement.

Gordon Evans became WMUK's Content Director in 2019 after more than 20 years as an anchor, host and reporter. A 1990 graduate of Michigan State, he began work at WMUK in 1996.
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