Congressman Justin Amash (R-MI) currently scores a 94% on our Legislative Scorecard and is ranked the most conservative Member of the Michigan delegation. He was part of the 2010 Tea Party wave and has been one of few freshmen who has kept his score above 90%. He is the second youngest sitting Representative.
Born in Grand Rapids, MI in 1980, Rep. Amash grew up in Kentwood, MI, a second generation Arab-American. His father is a Palestinian business owner who immigrated to the United States in 1956 thanks to the sponsorship of a Christian pastor and his family. He graduated from Grand Rapids Christian High School as class valedictorian and magna cum laude from the University of Michigan with an A.B. in Economics. In 2005, he earned his J.D. from the University of Michigan Law School. After graduation, he worked as a consultant for his family's business and then served as a corporate lawyer for one year before being elected to the Michigan State House.
In 2008, Rep. Amash was elected to represent Michigan's 72nd state House district. He served for two years, sponsoring 5 resolutions and 12 bills. He used his Facebook Page to interact with his constituents and explain what was going on in the state House. He continues this practice today in Congress. He also posts his office's salaries, benefits and expenses online so that constituents know exactly how he's spending their tax dollars.
While in the Michigan state House, Rep. Amash was one of only 21 members who never missed a vote in over 1,322 roll call votes (he also has perfect attendance in the U.S. House or Representatives). While serving in the state government, Rep. Amash served on the Education, Judiciary, Labor, and Military and Veterans Affairs and Homeland Security Committees. Now in the House of Representatives, he sits on the Budget, Joint Economic, and Oversight and Government Reform Committees.
Rep. Amash was endorsed by the Club for Growth, Rep. Ron Paul (R-TX) and FreedomWorks PAC during his 2010 primary. He went on to win the general election 59.6% - 37.4%.
Rep. Amash told the New York Times what his voting methodology was: "I follow a set of principles, I follow the Constitution. And that's what I base my votes on. Limited government, economic freedom, and individual liberty."
Rep. Amash currently lives in Cascade Charter Township in Michigan with his wife, Kara and their three children: Alexander, Anwen and Evelyn.
Related Links:
Rep. Justin Amash's Facebook Page