LANSING, MI (AP)-- The top Republican in the Michigan House has removed eight Democrats from committees because they missed meetings last week.
The move by Speaker Jase Bolger comes amid heightened tension between Republican and Democratic leaders in the chamber.
Bolger acted after his Democratic counterpart complained that five Republicans left a hearing last week on a bill that would end Michigan's unlimited medical care for people catastrophically injured in car accidents. Many people in wheelchairs testified at the meeting.
Minority Leader Tim Greimel says the Republicans should be replaced. But Bolger responded Tuesday by removing any Democrat who missed a committee meeting last week.
He also is asking all committee chairs to stop granting excused absences as a matter of course unless committee members have contacted them prior to the committee meeting.
