Fred Upton becomes central player in Republican health care plan

May 04--U.S. Rep. Fred Upton became a key force in the Republican Party's bumpy effort to pass a health-care bill, stalling the debate by initially opposing the bill then turning into its champion by backing a compromise solution.

A vote is scheduled on the bill later today. Upton, R-St. Joseph, has long been a moderate Republican in Congress, and his role in the health care debate is being used an example of the influence moderates can still have on national issues.

On Tuesday morning, Upton told a Holland, Mich., radio station that he would not support the health-care bill as proposed and that he and other GOP moderates were "not going to budge."

He was most concerned about the bill's impact on insurance coverage for people with pre-existing medical conditions.

Upton drew immediate national media attention and had separate meetings with House Speaker Paul Ryan and President Trump on Wednesday morning.

Upton said he met with Trump after the president called him, according to the Washington Post. Trump was "a little angry" with Upton but the two came to an agreement on a key amendment, the Post reported.

Later that afternoon, Upton signaled his support for the bill because of his amendment to add $8 billion to help people with pre-existing conditions. Upton's backing gave the bill new life.

The move was not without controversy, though.

Even though Upton declared his amendment would "more than cover those who might be impacted," some analysts have said the $8 billion is not nearly enough and that many people could still face the prospect of losing coverage.

If the bill passes the House this afternoon, it will head to the Senate, where it will face an even rockier road and is expected to be changed and amended further.

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