KALAMAZOO (WKZO-AM/FM) — Nearly a week after House passage and amid concern, criticism and angry protest, Congressman Fred Upton says he remains proud of the Republican-crafted replacement for the Affordable Care Act.
Upton, R-St. Joseph, didn’t support the bill until $8 billion was added to offset costs for who those with pre-existing conditions. He said the hold-out led to a better piece of legislation in the long-run.
“I want to make sure that all folks … are adequately covered,” Upton said. “I want to make sure that people have choices.”
Critics, including the AARP, claim the “Upton Amendment” money won’t lead to any meaningful cost savings. Upton, however, disagrees.
“If it’s not enough money, I’ll be the first in line, joining with my colleagues, to adequately fund it,” Upton said
Nobody really knows what the final bill will contain. It’s expected the Senate will make dramatic changes, possibly writing an entirely new bill, before the issue gets bounced back to the House.
