James, John RSS Articles

Protecting America’s Working Dogs (PAW) Act Reintroduced to Congress

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, on National K-9 Veterans Day, Representative John James (MI-10) announced the reintroduction of the Protecting America’s Working Dogs (PAW) Act. Rep. James had previously introduced the PAW Act in the 118^th Congress.

Currently, federal guidelines are murky for the fate of federal (Department of Defense, Border Patrol, Capitol Police, etc.) working dogs after they are retired. Oftentimes the retired working dog’s former handler is left to foot the veterinarian costs. The medical treatment required by many former working dogs is significant enough that it creates a hardship for the individuals, often former partners, who take in these canine heroes and become responsible for their medical costs.

Specifically, the PAW Act would require the Attorney General to establish a grant program to go to eligible nonprofit organizations that assist with the medical expenses of retired working dogs or service dogs.

Rep. James issued the following statement following the introduction of the PAW Act:

“Our federal working dogs and their handlers are heroes who deserve to be taken care of after they retire. As a veteran who served in Operation Iraqi Freedom, I know these dogs save an immeasurable number of lives each and every day. The dogs and their handlers risk their own lives to keep Americans out of harm’s way. Unfortunately, current regulations result in the handlers (who are often veterans or law enforcement officers themselves) becoming solely responsible for the medical costs of the retired K-9. The PAW Act will offer a critical helping hand to our heroes, both K-9 and human.”

"America’s working dogs serve with extraordinary courage and loyalty, often placing themselves in harm’s way to protect our troops and our communities,” said Kristen Maurer, President of Mission K-9 Rescue. “When their service ends, the responsibility for their medical care should not fall solely on the shoulders of the handlers and families who welcome them home. The Protecting America’s Working Dogs Act ensures that these canine heroes receive the medical care they deserve in retirement."

"We owe a tremendous amount of gratitude to the work our heroes do - both 4-legged and 2-legged,” said Carol Borden, founder and CEO of Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs. "These dogs are credited with saving innumerable lives. Many become sick or injured in the line of duty usually while saving a human. The least we can do is honor them by assisting with their health needs."

The bill is endorsed by Mission K-9 Rescue and Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs.

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James’ App Store Accountability Act Passes Committee

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 05:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman John James’ (MI-10) App Store Accountability Act advanced out of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, marking another step forward in holding Big Tech accountable and protecting children online.

Rep. James bill is being cosponsored by CMT Chairman Gus Bilirakis (FL-12) and Rep. Erin Houchin (IN-9). The Senate companion bill is being led by Senator Mike Lee (R-UT).

The legislation ensures that children are not accessing age restricted material through app stores and provides parents with more control over what their children can access online.

"As a father of three, protecting kids online is one of my top priorities—and something parents across Michigan raise with me constantly,” said Rep. James. “My bill is simple: app stores should follow the same common-sense rules we expect from every small business. If a corner store can’t knowingly sell adult or addictive products to minors, neither should the world’s largest digital storefronts. These multi-billion-dollar companies already have the means to do this safely and while respecting privacy, but they're instead choosing to put profits over protecting kids. This isn’t about one company: it’s about holding every platform to the same basic standard of responsibility. Parents have a right to know, kids can’t consent, and no one is above the law."

“The App Store Accountability Act will give parents the tools they’ve been asking for to protect their children online,” said Senator Mike Lee. “I’m glad to see our bill moving forward through committees and urge Congress to fight for parents over Big Tech to get this passed. Thank you to Rep. John James for leading the charge in the House!”

Parents across the country have voiced overwhelming support for stronger protections online. A national poll found that 88 percent of parents support requiring app stores to verify age and restrict adult or addictive material, and more than 4,500 parents sent letters to the Energy and Commerce Committee calling for the bill’s passage.

The App Store Accountability Act has earned support from a wide range of organizations committed to the safety and well-being of America’s children. Endorsements include:

Digital Childhood Alliance
Michigan Anti-Trafficking Project
Heritage Action
Pintrest
Over 170 organizations focused on child safety, mental health, and responsible technology practices

With full committee approval, the bill moves to be considered by the full House. To view Rep. James remarks to the Energy and Commerce Committee, click here.

John James’ Securing America’s Critical Minerals Supply Act Passes House

Wed, 11 Feb 2026 05:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the House of Representatives passed Congressman John James’ (MI-10) Securing America’s Critical Minerals Supply Act. The bill is aimed at strengthening U.S. energy supply chains, ensuring Americans have access to reliable and secure energy resources while supporting next-generation technologies and the defense industrial base. It passed the House with bipartisan support.

This is James’ 12^th legislative item to pass the House of Representatives.

The Securing America’s Critical Minerals Supply Act (H.R. 3617) directs the Department of Energy to assess vulnerabilities in critical energy resource supply chains, including critical minerals and rare earth elements, and develop strategies to address disruptions and over-reliance on adversarial nations.

Currently the U.S. is 100% reliant on imports for 12 critical minerals, and at least 50% reliant on an additional 28. China maintains 60% of the world’s production of rare earth elements and 90% of their global processing capacity. By enhancing coordination and planning within the Department of Energy, the legislation helps reduce reliance on foreign adversaries and protects the industries and technologies essential to our economy and national defense.

“This bill is a bold step toward ensuring the United States leads in energy innovation, security, and independence, and I’m thrilled to see it pass the House,” said Rep. James. "We cannot be the ‘land of the free’ if we choose to rely on critical mineral supply chains that are dependent on child and slave labor. This is about unleashing American energy, powering our factories, fueling innovation, and securing our future. It’s a massive step towards building an energy-independent America and putting an end to over-reliance on adversaries, dictators, and despots around the world.”

"Keeping our nation strong and secure means having access to reliable and affordable energy. Right now, the technologies that power our grid rely on critical minerals produced and controlled by adversarial nations,” said Energy & Commerce Chairman Brett Guthrie (KY-02). “To address this crucial issue, the House passed the Securing America’s Critical Minerals Supply Act, which strengthens the Department of Energy's support for critical energy resource supply chains, which are vital to keeping the lights on for American families and powering U.S. industrial facilities. Thank you to Congressman James for his leadership on this important legislation."

Key provisions of the legislation include:

Require the Department of Energy to continuously evaluate which minerals and energy resources are essential to U.S. energy and national security and identify vulnerabilities in supply chains, including risks created by reliance on foreign imports and adversarial nations.
Direct the Department to examine domestic production capacity, regulatory barriers, and supply constraints while assessing how countries like China exploit mineral markets to undermine American investment and manufacturing.
Mandate the development of strategies to strengthen U.S. supply chains by encouraging domestic production, supporting alternatives and substitutes, and advancing recycling and reuse technologies to reduce dependence on foreign sources.

This legislation complements the Trump administration’s recently announced plan for a $12 billion-dollar critical mineral stockpile to guard against supply disruptions.

To view Rep. James speaking on the floor in favor of H.R. 3617, click here.

To view the bill text, click here.

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Rep. John James, Oversight Chair James Comer Push for Election Integrity in Michigan

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 05:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman John James (MI-10) is continuing his long-standing effort to protect the integrity of America’s elections by authoring a letter with House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer (KY-01) to the U.S. Department of Justice demanding answers and accountability following reports of non-citizens appearing in Michigan jury pools and voter registration systems.

The letter, sent to Attorney General Pam Bondi, requests a formal briefing from the Department of Justice regarding these issues and steps being taken to prevent non-citizens from being improperly included in jury pools or voter rolls.

“This is not about the past. It’s about the future. It’s about rebuilding trust so Michiganders have faith in all our elections to come,” said James. “Until Michiganders can trust their elections, Michiganders will not trust their leaders. I’m thankful to Chairman Comer for leading the way to deliver accountability and answers to the American people.”

Michigan’s jury pools are generated using driver’s license and state identification records. State law also provides for automatic voter registration when individuals apply for a driver’s license or state ID unless they opt out, underscoring the importance of maintaining accurate and up-to-date voter eligibility records.

Recent reports from Macomb County have raised serious concerns about election administration and public confidence in Michigan’s systems. A cross-check of the Michigan Secretary of State’s Qualified Voter File and the county jury pool revealed significant breaches.

“In Michigan’s Macomb County, Clerk Anthony Forlini uncovered significant breaches during a cross check of the Michigan Secretary of State’s Qualified Voter File and the county jury pool,” the letter states. “Over a four-month period, 239 non-citizens were found to have been included in the jury pool. Of these individuals, 14 were identified as having been registered to vote at one point.”

This action builds on Congressman James’s leadership on election integrity. Last week, Rep. James joined a letter from the House of Representatives Michigan Republican Delegation to Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson demanding answers on ongoing concerns about election integrity in Michigan.

"While you admit you are aware of instances of non-citizen voting you continued to erode public confidence by refusing to comply with a lawful request by the Department of Justice to provide them Michigan’s voter registration data to ensure that Michigan’s voter rolls are being properly maintained," the Michigan lawmakers wrote. "Your refusal to comply with the DOJ’s request and assist in building the public’s confidence in Michigan elections invalidates your statement to the Committee on House Administration that you believe your responsibility is to 'ensure our elections are accessible, safe, secure and that the results are accurate' because under your watch you have allowed an environment to persist where at least 15 non-citizens cast ballots in the 2024 election."

Rep. James has long maintained that safeguarding election integrity is essential to maintaining public trust in our democratic institutions and protecting the fundamental civil right of every eligible American to vote. He twice voted in support of the SAVE Act, and is a cosponsor of the SAVE America Act to establish voter ID requirements for voting or registering to vote in federal elections.

To read the full letter to Attorney General Bondi click here.

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John James’ Sickle Cell Disease Research Reauthorization Act Passes House

Mon, 02 Feb 2026 05:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. –Today, Representative John James (MI-10) is celebrating the passage of his Sickle Cell Disease Research Reauthorization Act through the House of Representatives. This bill was included in H.R. 7148, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026. This is James’ 10^th legislative item to pass the House.

The bill is co-led by Representatives Jen Kiggans (VA-02), Troy A. Carter, Sr. (LA-02), Danny Davis (IL-07), and Marc Veasey (TX-33). Senators Tim Scott (R-SC) and Cory Booker (D-NJ) are leading an identical bill in the Senate.

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a blood disorder predominantly affecting African Americans, Latinos, and other minority groups. Individuals with SCD have a significantly lower life expectancy than the overall population. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, sickle cell affects approximately 100,000 individuals in the United States. Specifically, the bill reauthorizes the Sickle Cell Disease Treatment Demonstration Program, which was last reauthorized in 2018. The program provides research funding for prevention and treatment of SCD.

“Sickle cell disease research is critical to treatment and prevention, and I am grateful that the House passed this bill with such far reaching impacts. This disease has touched the lives of so many, especially in our Black community — including thousands in Michigan,” said Rep. James. “In Ranger school, I learned to never leave a fallen comrade behind. This bill ensures we don’t leave our vulnerable behind by getting funding to those that need it. It cuts through the noise, delivering funding for research, like game-changing gene therapies, and better data to empower families with real solutions. It’s about giving people the tools to fight back, not leaving them to fend for themselves, and I am proud that this bill will help to do exactly that.”

Congresswoman Kiggans (VA-02) said, “The Sickle Cell Disease Treatment Demonstration Program is a lifeline for the roughly 100,000 Americans living with this debilitating disease. I am proud to join Rep. James in the effort to reauthorize this vital program, and I’m glad to see its inclusion in the Labor, Health, and Human Services Appropriations bill. This funding will expand access to high-quality care and support the patients around the country that need it most.”

“The House’s passage of this bill is another step forward for individuals and families living with sickle cell disease. Continued support for research is essential to driving innovation, improving care, and easing the burden on patients and the health care system,” said Senator Tim Scott (R-SC). “I’m pleased to see this bill move forward and remain committed to advancing solutions for the treatment of sickle cell disease.”

“For years, we’ve fought to bring real attention and real resources to sickle cell disease — and this funding continues that fight,” said Congressman Veasey (TX-33), a member of the Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee. “By securing this funding, we are protecting lifesaving research, expanding access to high-quality care, and making sure patients aren’t left behind simply because their disease has been ignored for too long. This is about equity, dignity, and ensuring families get the care they deserve.”

“Sickle cell disease is a painful and often debilitating condition. I’m proud that this bill passed in the House, which marks a critical step toward ensuring that patients with this inherited blood disorder receive the comprehensive, coordinated care they urgently need. It’s past time that we prioritize the health and well-being of those impacted by sickle cell disease, especially Black Americans who are disproportionately affected. I look forward to seeing this bill signed into law,” said Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (LA-02).

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John James Secures Historic Appropriations Wins for Michigan

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 05:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representative John James (MI-10) announced a number of historic appropriations wins that he secured for Michigan and Michigan’s Tenth Congressional District.

For the first time since the Clinton Administration, the House passed all 12 appropriations bills in order, cutting wasteful spending, delivering on the America First agenda, and bringing critical funding to Michigan.

"For the first time since the Clinton Administration, the House passed all 12 appropriations bills in order," said Rep. James. "House Republicans cut wasteful spending, funded necessary programs, and delivered on President Trump's agenda. I'm thrilled to have secured a number of wins for Michigan and I look forward to continuing to deliver."

Below is a list of funding that Rep. James has secured in the 119^th Congress for Macomb, Oakland, and Wayne Counties:

Military Construction and Veterans Affairs

Selfridge Air National Guard Base: $20 million received for runway extension. Signed into law.

Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies

Oakland County Sheriff’s Office: $2 million received for a Northern Border Patrol Helicopter. Signed into law.

Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development

Macomb County: $8 million received for reconstruction of Mound Road from 8 Mile Road to I-696. Passed the House of Representatives.

From bolstering Selfridge to advance President Trump’s vision of bringing a new F-15EX fighter mission to the base, to giving law enforcement the tools they need to secure our Northern border, to repairing Michigan’s crumbling roads, Rep. James has secured numerous critical wins for Michigan throughout the appropriations process.

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Rep. John James Re-introduces School Safety Legislative Package to Congress

Wed, 07 Jan 2026 05:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Representative John James (MI-10) announced the introduction of three bills, each of which are bipartisan, to address the issue of school safety. This follows Rep. James’ introduction of a similar school safety legislative package in 2023.

Rep. James released the following statement after introducing these bills:

“My generation was still in school when the Columbine Massacre happened. I know what it’s like to walk into class with the fear that I may not walk out,” said James. “Now as the father of three school-aged boys, I pray every day that the Lord allows them to return home safe and sound. It’s insane that millions of parents have to make that prayer every day in America. It’s incensing that dozens of parents’ prayers have not been answered in a generation. Prayer is powerful but we must do more than pray. We must change policy too. The Second Amendment is not optional, and neither is keeping our kids safe from violence. We deserve an America that can protect itself from tyranny without leaving its children vulnerable to terrorism. Gun deaths are symptoms of cultural decay and hopelessness in America. Doing nothing to address those symptoms is unacceptable, which is why I’m proud to introduce this commonsense school safety package to the U.S. House of Representatives. We are tackling an area that seems to have the least number of solutions - school safety - by first addressing mental health and constitutional responsibility from both sides of the aisle with this package.”

The IMPROVE (Incentivize Motivated Parents with Responsible Options for Vital Education) Safety for Schools Act, co-led by Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur of Ohio, would create a tax credit of $300 to incentivize parents/guardians to purchase a gun safe or storage item.

Rep. Kaptur released the following statement in support of the IMPROVE Safety for Schools Act:

“The leading cause of death for children across America is gun violence — a scourge that has taken a terrible toll on families in Ohio, Michigan, and across our country. Today, we are introducing the bipartisan IMPROVE Safety for Schools Act to help make our children, families, schools, and communities safer,” said Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09). “Our bipartisan legislation expands firearm safety information available for parents, establishes a $300 non-refundable tax credit for firearm safety technologies including gun locks and gun safes, and expands access to information about gun safety through multiple avenues. I will work with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to enact this bipartisan common sense legislation to keep our communities and our children safe.”

The School Security is National Security Act, co-led by Rep. James’ West Point classmate Congressman Pat Ryan of New York, would require that the President include a plan for securing America’s schools in the administration’s National Security Strategy.

Rep. Ryan released the following statement regarding this legislation:

“No parent dropping their kids off at school should have to worry about their child's safety,” said Congressman Pat Ryan. “I’m proud to join Congressman James on this crucial first step toward securing our schools and making sure that every child returns home safely at the end of each school day.”

Finally, the Kid PROOF Act, co-led by Congresswoman Angie Craig of Minnesota, would provide grants for health care providers to purchase lockboxes or safes to help families of children who may be at risk of suicide or overdose to store medications or other potentially dangerous items.

“One child lost to suicide or overdose is one too many,” said Rep. Angie Craig. “As a mother and a grandmother, I feel strongly that we should be doing everything in our power to keep at-risk youth safe, and that’s exactly what this legislation is about. The Kid PROOF Act takes an evidence-based approach to protecting our kids, and I look forward to working with Reps. James, Dingell and Salazar to get it signed into law.”

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James’ App Store Accountability Act Passes Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade Subcommittee

Fri, 12 Dec 2025 05:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, Congressman John James' (MI-10) H.R. 3149, the App Store Accountability Act, advanced out of the Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade (CMT) Subcommittee by a unanimous voice vote. This legislation, authored by James, takes direct aim at Big Tech’s failures to protect children online and restores real authority to parents over what apps their kids can access.

Rep. James bill is being cosponsored by CMT Chairman Gus Bilirakis (FL-12) and Rep. Erin Houchin (IN-9). The Senate companion bill is being led by Senator Mike Lee (R-UT).

“The App Store Accountability Act will give parents the tools they’ve been asking for to protect their children online,” said Senator Mike Lee. “I’m pleased to see our bill moving forward and urge Congress to prioritize parents over Big Tech to get this critical legislation passed. Thank you to Rep. Jon James for leading the charge in the House!”

A national poll shows 88 percent of parents support requiring app stores to verify age and restrict adult or addictive material. This support has turned into action with more than 4,500 parents sending letters urging the Energy and Commerce Committee to pass the App Store Accountability Act.

The bill also has garnered broad support from law-enforcement groups, including from Livingston County Sheriff Michael Murphy, Marquette County Sheriff Gregory Zyburt, and the International Union of Police Associations. Law-enforcement confronts the consequences of online exploitation every day and understands the risks our kids face online.

The App Store Accountability Act has earned support from a wide range of organizations committed to the safety and well-being of America’s children. Endorsements include:

Digital Childhood Alliance
Heritage Action
Pinterest
Over 170 organizations focused on child safety, mental health, and responsible technology practices

With yesterday’s subcommittee passage, the App Store Accountability Act moves to the full Energy and Commerce Committee for further consideration. To view Rep. James’ remarks, click here.

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Rep. John James Announces Staff Updates

Mon, 08 Dec 2025 05:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. John James (MI-10) announced several staff updates within his congressional office. After three successful years of service as Chief of Staff, Jackson Gross will be transitioning to a new opportunity. Hannah Osantowske, who has served as Communications Director, will also be advancing to a new role outside the congressional office.

“Jackson and Hannah have been tireless advocates for the people of Michigan’s Tenth Congressional District, and I am incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved together,” said James. “With their leadership, our office has delivered real results. We’ve passed nine bills in the House, had two bills signed into law, and returned more than $18.7 million to constituents. Their dedication has truly made a meaningful difference in the lives of Michiganders, and I want to thank them for their service.”

Additionally, Ali Emamdjomeh has been promoted to Chief of Staff for Congressman James. Emamdjomeh has worked alongside James since 2017 and most recently served as Deputy Chief of Staff. Nate Hampson has been promoted to Communications Director. Hampson has been part of the team since Rep. James was sworn into office in January 2023 and previously served as Press Secretary.

“I am proud to elevate these two talented professionals who have consistently shown their commitment to service,” said James. “Ali and Nate have been with me since day one in Washington. Their experience, integrity, and understanding of our mission will ensure that we continue delivering for the people of Michigan. Our office remains focused, disciplined, and ready to keep fighting for results.”

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John James Remarks on His App Store Accountability Act

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 05:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman John James (MI-10) spoke to the House Energy and Commerce Committee during a hearing on H.R. 3149, the App Store Accountability Act. This legislation was introduced by James to protect children online and give parents real authority over what their kids download. The bill is also being led in the Senate by Senator Mike Lee (R-UT).

"Americans are waking up to Big Tech’s game,” said James. “They provide lip service on how they are protecting children, while actually delivering none of those protections. Social media has been labeled the primary culprit and for good reason. Countless studies and multiple congressional hearings make clear that social media is not only an addictive service for children, but it is also harmful for their mental acuity and overall health.”

During today’s hearing, Rep. James underscored the urgent need to hold app stores responsible for providing minors with access to age-restricted or addictive content. A national poll commissioned by the Digital Childhood Alliance shows that 88 percent of parents support this requirement.

"Just as how brick-and-mortar stores are held responsible for selling age-restricted materials like tobacco or alcohol to minors, the App Store Accountability Act will hold digital app stores accountable for providing adult or addictive material to minors,” continued James. “Kids cannot consent. I say again, kids cannot consent. And any company that exposes them to adult or addictive material should—and will—be held accountable.”

The App Store Accountability Act has earned broad national support, including endorsements from Pinterest, the Digital Childhood Alliance, Heritage Action, the International Union of Police Associations, and more than 150 organizations and advocacy groups committed to child safety, mental health, and responsible technology practices.

To view Rep. James’ full committee remarks, click here.

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