SIGNED OUT: John James Said ‘No’ to $5 Million for Flint Water Crisis on Same Day He Endorsed $45 Million Parade for Trump’s Birthday  

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last week, John James refused to join efforts supporting $5 million for the Flint Lead Exposure Registry backed by Michigan’s entire congressional delegation on the same day that he endorsed a $45 million military parade for Donald Trump’s birthday.

While James frequently touts his literal signature as a reason to vote for him, it was nowhere to be found on a bipartisan letter in support of critical funding for the registry, leaving the project “in limbo” and at risk of total closure this summer.

In their letter, the lawmakers argue, “the Flint Registry is a powerful tool to improve the lives of those exposed to lead-contaminated water” noting that “the CDC has described the Flint Registry as an ‘innovative, one-of-a kind Lead Exposure Registry, creating the model for the nation’s first lead-free city.’” They conclude that “maintaining this level of funding in FY 2026 will ensure the Flint Registry can effectively deliver its existing programming and continue supporting the Flint community’s recovery from the water crisis.”

Climate Power Michigan State Director Luke Tonat issued the following statement: “John James could have signed onto bipartisan support for $5 million to help Flint recover from the water crisis, and instead he signed up for $45 million – nine times as much – on a military parade for Donald Trump’s birthday. James spent last Thursday voting to kill 25,000 Michigan jobs and hike prices, and then backed $45 million for Trump’s birthday parade while ignoring Flint’s water crisis on Friday. James should spend less time bragging about his signature and more time doing the job he actually signed up for, instead of putting Michiganders at greater risk of the consequences of unsafe drinking water.”

###