Capitol News

As the federal government faces a shutdown, questions have arisen regarding the whereabouts of Representative John James. The Michigan Democratic Party issued a statement criticizing James and Republican leadership for their role in the shutdown and for not working with Democrats to avoid it.

The party claims that while Congress is on recess, about 531,000 Michigan residents who use the Affordable Care Act marketplace may see their health care premiums more than double starting in January if no action is taken.

According to the statement, James has not held any public events since last Monday. At his last event in Kent County, his campaign reportedly prevented reporters from attending and did not directly respond to questions from The Detroit News about comments he made regarding being “screwed” in 2020.

“With the federal government shut down, where is John James and why isn’t he showing up to work?” said Michigan Democratic Party spokesperson Derrick Honeyman. “James would rather cause a government shutdown than address the health care crisis that Republicans have created. He may not show up for work this week, but Michiganders will make sure that John James has a lot more free time on his hands come 2027.”