With Congressman Fred Upton now retiring after 35 years of service in Washington, we asked him what moments from his career stand out the most. He told WSJM News throughout seven presidents and seven different House speakers, he’s taken countless votes.
“I recalled today that one of my big amendments that was successful was help to the disabled in terms of providing assistance to small businesses to make structural changes to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act,” Upton said. “[Also] protecting the Great Lakes, pipeline safety.”
There’s 21st Century Cures, the drug research bill from 2016, and Upton notes a lot has happened the last few years with COVID, like helping small businesses stay open. With the war in Ukraine, he’s remembering his time there.
“Zelenskyy’s all over the news now, the president of Ukraine, but I knew his predecessor. Meeting Lech Walesa when he was here from Poland, meeting the Pope, Desmond Tutu, Muhammad Ali, who was one of my constituents, a very good, personal friend.”
Muhammad Ali’s wife called Upton this week. Another big memory is 9/11. Upton said his plate was always full. He cites other accomplishments like working to help farmers, securing small business aid during the pandemic, and helping out southwest Michigan residents when they needed it.
