Former Rep. Stupak joins Venable LLP

Former Rep. Bart Stupak (D-Mich.) has joined a prominent law and lobby firm.

Stupak will be a partner for Venable LLP in its legislative and government affairs group. 

The nine-term Michigan congressman was a big player in the last Congress's healthcare reform debate, leading a faction of anti-abortion-rights Democrats to provide the final votes to pass the legislation in the House. 

Leading a revolt over abortion language in the healthcare bill had made his life a "living Hell," Stupak told The Hill last year. After the veteran lawmaker agreed to compromise language that allowed the healthcare bill to be approved by the House, he came under attack from anti-abortion rights groups. 

Stupak decided to not run for reelection in 2010, not too long after the healthcare law was signed.

Venable suggested Stupak would work on a wide range of policies for the firm.  

"As a senior member of the Committee on Energy and Commerce, he helped shape a wide range of policies directly impacting the nation’s economy and led numerous investigations involving the public’s well-being. Our legislative practice and our clients will benefit enormously from Bart’s experience," Karl Racine, the firm's managing partner, said in a statement.

"Venable is one of the most respected names in Washington, and the firm has an especially strong record of leadership in government affairs. 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 said.

As well as being at the firm, Stupak will continue his work at Harvard University as a fellow at its Institute of Politics.

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