Statement from President Obama on Stupak retirement

NEWS RELEASE

CONGRESSMAN BART STUPAK 1ST CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT OF MICHIGAN

************************* National and Michigan leaders's statements on Congressman Stupak's decision to retire

WASHINGTON, DC – Following U.S. Congressman Bart Stupak’s announcement he would not seek re-election, national leaders and leaders from Michigan offered the statements below:

President Barack Obama

“For more than three decades – whether protecting Michiganders in their communities as a police officer and state trooper, or protecting the Great Lakes in the halls of Congress – Bart Stupak has dedicated his life to public service. Since arriving in Washington, he has never lost sight of his principles or the people he was elected to represent. He has been a tireless advocate for hard working families across northern Michigan and for law enforcement officers and first responders across the nation. Michelle and I thank Congressman Stupak for his service and wish him and his family joy and success in their future endeavors.”

Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi

“Congressman Bart Stupak has served Michigan's First District with great distinction for nearly two decades. He has remained a stalwart advocate for the interests, hopes, and aspirations of his constituents and Michigan's families have been well served by his years in the House.

“Nowhere did First District voters or the entire nation witness his tenacity and steadfast commitment more than in the successful effort to provide quality, affordable health care to all Americans. Throughout the battle for reform – from his crucial role on the House Energy and Commerce Committee to his leadership on the floor of the House – Bart Stupak was a forceful advocate for providing health care to all Americans.

“I thank Congressman Stupak for his years of dedicated service to the House of Representatives, and I wish him well in his future endeavors.”

House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer

“Congressman Bart Stupak has been a valued member of the Democratic caucus, representing northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula for nearly two decades. During that time, he has truly dedicated himself to his office, serving with the confidence of his constituents and the respect of his colleagues. “On matters of principle, Mr. Stupak has always stood strong, while recognizing that we can and must work together to make progress on behalf of the people we represent. I know that Mr. Stupak will continue to represent his office with that distinction as he finishes out his term. I commend him for his years of tireless work on behalf of Michigan and this country, and wish him and his family the very best.”

U.S. Congressman John D. Dingell (D-MI) "I am saddened by the news that Bart will not be running again. He's an outstanding member of Congress, a remarkable Subcommittee chairman, a fighter for his constituents and his convictions. But above all these things Bart is a truly decent and caring human being and public servant of the highest order. I know that Bart, his lovely wife Laurie and their dear son Ken did not come to this decision easily. Bart has served the public for more than 30 years. He put his life on the line as a Michigan State trooper and he has put the needs of his country before all else during his 18 years in Congress. "Bart was a true leader in the health care fight. It was his questioning before the Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee that forced insurance company executives to admit they would not end the practice of rescission on their own. He has also been a true leader in our fight to make America's food and drug supply safer. “While Bart and I don’t see eye to eye on the specific issue of abortion, he certainly played a valuable role voicing the concerns of the pro-life community during the debate on health care reform. Bart proved to be one of the best poker players we’ve ever seen on Capitol Hill and because of his work, health care reform is now the law of the land.

"One of my best decisions as Chairman of the Committee on Energy and Commerce was to see that Bart became Chairman of the Oversight and Investigation Subcommittee. He is an able investigator with an inquisitive mind and determination to find the truth. All Americans have benefited from his leadership of that Subcommittee. “I will greatly miss serving with Bart Stupak. His district, Michigan and our country will miss his public service."

Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Henry A. Waxman

“This is a huge loss for the Committee. Rep. Stupak has been a brilliant Oversight and Investigations Committee Chairman, and his work on food safety and oversight of the health insurance industry has had an enormous impact.”

Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm

“Bart Stupak has been a stalwart fighter for the first district and Michigan. As chairman of an Energy and Commerce subcommittee, he has been a champion for the Great Lakes State. His example of service with civility should be a model for all to follow. While the recent negative and personal attacks on this man of conscience over his position on health care reform have been shocking, I hope the bitterness will not deter other good citizens from choosing to serve our country and our communities. I send my best to Bart and Laurie and my deepest thanks for serving Michigan with dignity and honor.”

U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) “Bart Stupak has been a true champion for Northern Michigan and Upper Peninsula families and a friend of mine for many years. I know he would have been successful had he sought reelection. His passion and dedication to public service have been tremendous assets to our entire state and will be deeply missed.”

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