John J. McGuire

Rep. John McGuire celebrates passage of his Make the District of Columbia Safe and Beautiful Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Make the District of Columbia Safe and Beautiful Act, introduced by Rep. John McGuire (VA-05). This bill codifies key components of President Trump’s Executive Order 14252. “From the decisions made inside the Capitol Building, to the breathtaking cherry blossoms in the spring, D.C. is a hub for hard-working Americans and visitors, many of whom are my constituents. It’s common sense, cities that cooperate, communicate, and work as a team with local and federal law enforcement are safer for everyone,” said Rep. John McGuire (VA-05). “Anyone who travels to D.C. should be safe while taking in the scenery and historic landmarks. The Make the District of Columbia Safe and Beautiful Act is common-sense legislation that ensures our capital remains a secure, clean, and beautiful representation of our great nation. Thank you, Chairman Comer, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, and House Leadership, for working with me on the passage of this bill. I look forward to its passage in the Senate and receiving President Trump's signature." Background: Soft-on-crime policies have turned Washington, D.C., into one of the most dangerous cities in our country and the world. In 2024, Washington, D.C. had the fourth-highest homicide rate in the country, and since 2025, there have already been nearly 1,600 violent crimes reported in our Nation’s capital. The Make the District of Columbia Safe and Beautiful Act will make D.C. safe, beautiful, and prosperous by promoting law and order, protecting our revered American monuments, and promoting beautification and the preservation of our Nation’s history and heritage. Specifically, this bill would: Require the development and implementation of a program under the Secretary of the Interior to beautify the District of Columbia through the removal of graffiti, enhanced private-sector collaboration, and restoration of Federal public monuments. Establish the DC Safe and Beautiful Commission to coordinate across federal agencies and D.C., Maryland, and Virginia, and to develop joint priorities to enable the full enforcement of Federal and local laws within the District. Click here to view the text of the bill.

Rep. John McGuire introduces Shall Not Be Infringed Act

Position: Rep. McGuire introduced legislation that would allow individuals harmed by firearms in gun-free zones to sue the state or locality, and would reduce federal law enforcement grants to jurisdictions that maintain gun-free-zone policies.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman John McGuire (VA-05) introduced the Shall Not Be Infringed Act to allow people harmed by firearms in gun-free zones to seek compensatory damages from the state or locality in which the incident occurred. “Gun-free zones do not prevent danger, instead they make law-abiding citizens helpless victims,” said Rep. John McGuire (VA-05). “Criminals do not care about the law, and it is our right enshrined in our founding documents to protect ourselves and our families. My Shall Not Be Infringed Act allows for individuals harmed by a firearm in a gun free zone to sue the state or locality.” Background: The Shall Not Be Infringed Act creates a limited cause of action (civil remedy). If a state/locality has a gun-free-zone law, a harmed person may sue the state/locality and recover compensatory damages and pain and suffering when ALL conditions are met: harm by another’s firearm use harm occurs in a “gun-free zone" the person is authorized to carry in their state of residence the person could have averted or mitigated the harm if allowed to carry Defines “gun-free zone" as any geographic area where public carry is prohibited under Federal, State, or Local law. Uses DOJ grants to drive compliance. For fiscal years after the bill’s transition period (as described in Sec. 2(b)(1)), noncompliant states/localities may face up to a 99% reduction in: Byrne-JAG funds (Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act programs) COPS funds Reallocates withheld Byrne-JAG amounts. Funds withheld for noncompliance are reallocated to compliant states. Read a copy of the bill's full text here.

Rep. John McGuire applauds failure of War Powers Resolution vote in the House of Representatives

Position: Rep. McGuire opposes the War Powers Resolution, arguing that the President's military actions against Iran are constitutionally authorized and necessary to address a nuclear threat, and that Congress should not restrict the Commander-in-Chief's authority in this context.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Representative John McGuire (VA-05) voted against the War Powers Resolution that would restrict President Trump's ability to protect the United States and the world from the terrorist regime leading Iran. As Commander-in-Chief, President Trump's actions against Iran are well within his authority under Article II of the Constitution. Congress was notified prior to the attacks, as was the bipartisan Gang of Eight. The state-sponsor of terror that is Iran, should never have access to a nuclear weapon, especially given their hatred of America. “With the threat of a nuclear armed terrorist regime, Iran, the last thing we should be doing is tying the Commander-in- Chief’s hands,” said Rep. John McGuire (VA-05). “He has done what past presidents failed to do, remove a nuclear threat, while protecting not just America, but the world. President Trump’s actions do not constitute a war with Iran, rather he is carrying out a swift and targeted military plan to take out a threat to our nation and the world. As we mourn our fallen, now is not the time to play politics. Instead, we need to unify as a nation and support our brave men and women on the front lines, our Commander-in-Chief, and pray for the brave men and women of our military. They need to know Congress and their country stand with them.”

Rep. John McGuire applauds the United States action against Iran

Position: Rep. McGuire supports U.S. military strikes against Iran, characterizing them as a necessary response to Iran's nuclear weapons pursuit, regional destabilization, and threat to U.S. and allied interests.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Following the United States strikes on Iran, Representative John McGuire (VA-05) is applauding President Trump for his decisive action in confronting the threat that Iran poses to the U.S. and our allies. "Our Commander-in-Chief, Donald J. Trump, pursued diplomacy and issued clear warnings to the Iranian regime: abandon the pursuit of nuclear weapons and cease the killing of innocent civilians," said Rep. John McGuire (VA-05). "Despite these warnings, Iran, the number one sponsor of terror, has continued destabilizing actions across the region, attacking several of its neighbors and escalating tensions. As the threat of a nuclear-armed Iran grew, the United States, alongside its ally Israel, have launched a series of targeted strikes. This moment may represent a critical opportunity for the Iranian people to confront the oppression of their government and pursue a future defined by freedom and self-determination. President Trump has expressed support for the Iranian people in seeking change. The United States is acting to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon, to protect American interests at home and abroad, and to stand with those who desire a more peaceful and stable future. Stay vigilant and let’s keep an eye on each other. Please keep the brave men and women in our military in your prayers."

Rep. John McGuire Introduces the Riley Gaines Act to protect female athletes

Position: Rep. McGuire supports legislation that would create civil liability for schools and athletic associations that allow transgender athletes to compete in women's sports, arguing this protects female athletes from injury and unfair competitive disadvantage.

WASHINGTON, D.C. —Representative John McGuire (VA-05) introduced the Riley Gaines Act. The bill, which was crafted by working with Mrs. Gaines, stands up for women who have been sidelined, injured, or lost professional opportunities and scholarships after being forced to compete against biological male athletes. “If a man assaults a woman on the street, he goes to jail,” said Rep. John McGuire (VA-05). “But if a man pretending to be a woman beats up a female in a boxing ring, he’s given a medal. This insanity has got to end. Female athletes deserve to feel safe and protected in the sports they love. Instead they are at risk of serious injury and losing scholarships and professional opportunities due to the unfair advantage created by competing against a male in a female sport. The Riley Gaines Act puts protections in place, so the schools and athletic associations that allow males to compete in female sports are held accountable for their dangerous and reckless actions. Riley Gaines is a trailblazer in the movement to protect female athletes and is the inspiration behind this bill. It has been an honor working with her on this legislation. I am hoping common sense will prevail and we will keep our daughters safe while they achieve their competitive goals. Together, we will protect our female athletes.” “The Riley Gaines Act is about one thing: accountability," said Riley Gaines. "If colleges and athletic associations knowingly or recklessly put women in harm’s way, they shouldn’t be shielded from the consequences. When a female athlete loses a scholarship, a roster spot, or suffers a physical injury because institutions ignored biological reality, there must be a path to justice. This bill doesn’t target individuals. It holds powerful institutions responsible for the policies they choose to enforce. Women deserve fairness, safety, and equal opportunity. And if those rights are violated, they deserve their day in court." Title IX was meant to expand opportunities for women, not erase them. By restoring fairness and providing real consequences when women’s sports are compromised, this bill defends the integrity of competition and the future of female athletics. Background on the Riley Gaines Act This bill creates civil actions against institutions of higher education and athletic associations that negligently or recklessly allow a biological male athlete to compete in female-only athletic competitions, resulting in harm to female athletes. A biological female athlete may sue for physical injury or other damages, including the loss of scholarships or professional opportunities. A prevailing plaintiff is entitled to reasonable attorney’s fees. You can find a copy of the bill's text here.

Rep. John McGuire attends State of the Union, applauds President Trump's vision

Position: Rep. McGuire expresses support for President Trump's tax policies, including tax breaks for seniors, no tax on tips or overtime, and enhanced take-home pay for families.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Representative John McGuire (VA-05) attended President Trump's first State of the Union address of his second term. Rep. McGuire applauded President Trump's speech that touted wins for the American people, including tax breaks for seniors, and the largest tax refund season expected in American history, and no tax on tips or overtime. “President Trump is one of the most impactful and successful presidents in our nation’s history,” said Rep. John McGuire (VA-05). “His America first mindset is making life safer and more affordable for all Americans. His State of the Union speech was powerful and sets a clear path for America’s future. This tax season is expected to be the largest tax refund season in American history. Families are seeing more in their take home pay, and seniors are seeing historic tax cuts with social security. President Trump is committed to improving our economy and quality of life for all Americans. The Golden Age of America is here, and we’re just getting started.”

Rep. John McGuire celebrates passage of the Save America Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Representative John McGuire (VA-05) voted for the Save America Act, which just passed in the House of Representatives. The crucial legislation works to secure America's elections by requiring proof of citizenship to register to vote, and a valid photo ID to cast a ballot. As a co-sponsor on the bill, Representative John McGuire has been an avid supporter of its passage. “America’s elections are for Americans only,” said Rep. John McGuire (VA-05). “The Save America Act makes sure our elections are fair and secure. By requiring photo ID to vote and proof of citizenship to register, we are taking real measures to retore trust and ensure only U.S. Citizens are casting ballots. I am proud my colleagues and I were able to get this critical bill passed. I urge the Senate to do the same in an expedient manner. The sooner we can get this bill to President Trump’s desk, the sooner our elections will be secure." Background on the Save America Act: Requires any voter to show a photo ID when they cast a ballot. Absentee and mail-in voters can attach a copy of their ID to their mail-in ballot. Amends the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA), which has governed State voter registration since 1993, to require States to obtain documentary proof of U.S. citizenship – in person – when registering an individual to vote in a federal election. Requires states to check for noncitizens and other ineligible registrants on their voter rolls at least once a month. Directs states to create a procedure for addressing discrepancies in documentation so that no eligible voter is disqualified due to a name change. Allows eligible voters to register and provide documentary proof of citizenship by mail, provided their State allows early voting or same-day voter registration. Allows eligible voters to cast a provisional ballot if they forget to bring necessary paperwork on Election Day. The Save America Act will now head to the Senate. You can find a copy of the bill's text here.