The U.S. House has given approval to an amended health care overhaul bill, and they can partially thank Congressman Fred Upton for that.
The American Health Care Act passed on a close, mostly party-line vote of 217-213. It now moves on to the Senate.
Upton had been one of a few moderate Republicans who initially didn’t support the bill. However, after a meeting with President Trump, Upton got an amendment for $8 billion in funding for patients with pre-existing conditions added on the eve of the vote.
Before the amendment, Upton had been against the amended bill because of the lack of pre-existing condition protections. He says members of the House Freedom Caucus, a key group against the original version of the bill, approved Upton’s amendment, according to ABC 57.
“The current Obamacare bill, it’s just not working,” said Upton, during the phone interview. “We’re seeing double digit increases in virtually every state; some states more than 100 percent. Predictions are that premiums will go up 40 to 50 percent this fall. I’m trying to fix it. And I’m trying to fix it with provisions that help states like Michigan.”
When news of Upton’s reversal of support came protests. Between 60 and 70 demonstrators appeared outside of his St. Joe, Michigan district office.
