Hoekstra Says Stupak 'Sold Out'
It’s been a long year for lawmakers on Capitol Hill, but Sunday night Congress finally passed a health care reform bill. A Michigan Congressman was in the spotlight of it all.
Congressman Bart Stupak (D-Menominee) says in a phone interview with 7&4 News, “We were democrats, pro life democrats who wanted to vote for health care but had real concerns about abortion provisions in there, especially with community health centers. We plugged those holes.”
Before the vote, Stupak met with President Obama’s Chief Lawyer on how to word a presidential executive order to block the government from funding abortions. They finally came to an agreement and Stupak believes the sanctity of life is now protected.
Congressman Stupak says, “It is the real deal. It has full force of law and I negotiated very tight restrictions. It says no funding for abortion will apply to this law."
But Michigan Congressman Pete Hoekstra (R- Holland) says the executive order be overturned anytime.
Congress Hoekstra says in a phone interview with 7&4 News, "I think Bart sold out for very, very little."
Later on the House Floor the Stupak found himself heckled when someone shouted “baby killer”. Still, Stupak believes the vote is a victory for Americans; especially for the 364,000 residents in Northern Michigan who will receive health insurance coverage under the legislation.
Congressman Stupak says, "It was difficult you want to really do what's best stay true to your principles."
Meanwhile Hoekstra says it’s a massive intrusion of the federal government. He praised the thousands of protestors he saw on Capitol Hill, and promised to fight the bill.
Congress Hoekstra says, "You’re going to see legal challenges. I think the bill is un-American."
Two Michigan Lawmakers, with different opinions about the future of America’s health.
