Former Rep. Stupak joins Venable LLP

Former Rep. Bart Stupak (D-Mich.) is joining the Washington law and lobbying firm Venable LLP, the firm announced Monday.

The former Michigan State Police trooper will join the firm's Washington, D.C., office as a partner in the legislative and government affairs group.

"Bart Stupak is a superb lawyer and he knows the business of oversight as well as anyone in Washington," said Rep. John Dingell (D-Mich.) in a statement.

"After honorably serving the people of Michigan's First Congressional District for many years and teaching at Harvard's Kennedy School of Government, Bart has the experience and expertise to thrive at Venable."

Stupak served nine terms representing Michigan's Upper Peninsula in the House before retiring in 2011. A longtime member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, he played a key role in the healthcare reform negotiations by leading a group of pro-life Democrats.

“After 36 years of public service, I’m very happy to be starting this new chapter in my life,” Stupak said. “I’ve had numerous contacts with Venable partners over the years and am excited about helping my new colleagues and the firm’s clients navigate choppy congressional waters.”

Stupak will join former Sen. Birch Bayh (D-Ind.) and former Transportation Secretary James Burnley, among others, at his new position.