John J. McGuire

Rep. John McGuire Hosts Health and Human Services Secretary for Healthcare Roundtable in the Fifth District

Position: The release praises local community health center services in a rural district and states that the administration is working to lower healthcare costs, expand primary care access, and emphasize prevention, without taking a stance on specific pending legislation.

CHATHAM, VA— On Wednesday, Representative John McGuire (VA-05) hosted Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. and Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Administrator Tom Engels for a visit to Virginia’s Fifth Congressional District. The visit centered around a roundtable discussion moderated by Rep. McGuire, with the Secretary, local health leaders, and staff from Piedmont Access to Health Services (PATHS) to discuss healthcare and affordability. “Every individual deserves access to quality healthcare regardless of where they live,” said Rep. John McGuire (VA-05). “Piedmont Access to Health Services is doing incredible work providing crucial services to our district’s rural communities. I was proud to show Health and Human Services Secretary, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. the facility and introduce him to the selfless men and women ensuring the health and wellbeing of our communities. Their professionalism and service model are just one example of exceptional healthcare provided in the Commonwealth.” “President Trump and HHS are working to lower healthcare costs, expand access to primary care, and put prevention at the center of American healthcare,” said Secretary Kennedy. “Community health centers like PATHS bring that work directly to families in rural communities. I thank Congressman McGuire for bringing us together with the doctors, nurses, and health leaders serving Virginians every day.” During the event, the Department of Health and Human Services launched their new Health Center Healthy Lifestyle Commitment. PATHS signed on to be the first in the country to become part of the initiative. Read more about the announcement here.

Rep. John McGuire Hosts Federal Bureau of Investigation Director for Law Enforcement Roundtable in the Fifth District

Position: The release describes a roundtable hosted by Rep. McGuire with the FBI Director and local law enforcement, and states a commitment to ensuring law enforcement has the resources needed to succeed and stay safe. It does not take a position on a specific pending bill or policy mechanism.

LYNCHBURG, VA— On Wednesday, Rep. John McGuire (VA-05) hosted Federal Bureau of Investigation Director Kash Patel for a visit to Virginia’s Fifth Congressional District. During the visit, Rep. McGuire moderated a roundtable discussion at Liberty University with Director Patel, local law enforcement, and students from Liberty University School of Law. "The Fifth District is home to some of our nation’s best and brightest men and women in law enforcement,” said Rep. John McGuire (VA-05). “I appreciated the opportunity to host Federal Bureau of Investigation Director Kash Patel for a roundtable with our local heroes. It’s imperative we know the challenges facing our communities, so we can best support the law enforcement individuals fighting them head on. We wouldn’t have a country without our brave men and women in uniform, and together FBI Director Patel and I are committed to ensuring they have the resources they need to succeed and stay safe on the job.” “This FBI’s mission to crush violent crime and defend the homeland has achieved historic success thanks to the partnership and dedicated work of local law enforcement who protect our communities like the Fifth District of Virginia,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “I greatly appreciate the chance to join Congressman John McGuire in meeting with Liberty University law students and law enforcement partners to hear from them about what impacts their communities most and how the FBI can help.” Press interested in photos from the event should contact Brittany Slaughter.

Rep. John McGuire Hosts Secretary of Energy for Roundtable and Grant Announcement in the Fifth District

Position: The release expresses support for expanding domestic energy production, including opening more refineries to process domestic crude oil, and for federal funding of transmission line upgrades to strengthen Virginia's electricity grid and reduce reliance on other states.

LYNCHBURG, VA— On Friday, Representative John McGuire (VA-05) hosted United States Secretary of Energy Chris Wright for a roundtable discussion and press conference for a grant announcement. The roundtable, hosted in coordination with the Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance, and Appalachian Power, was centered around nuclear energy and powering the economy of the future. Following the event, the United States Department of Energy awarded a grant to the Commonwealth of Virginia, accepted by Appalachian Power, to provide crucial transmission line upgrades. The targeted federal investment will pave the way for supercharging Virginia’s energy grid, so the Commonwealth does not have to rely on other states to power the economy. “American energy dominance is crucial,” said Rep. John McGuire (VA-05). “We must do everything we can to unleash the American energy industry, cut through the red tape, and become self-sufficient, instead of relying on other countries. This happens by opening up more refineries to distill the abundant crude oil being produced in America. I appreciated the opportunity to host Secretary of Energy Chris Wright for an important discussion with local energy companies on how we can work together to become energy dominant, while keeping costs low forconsumers. The best things in the world are made in America, and our energyshould be no different.” “President Trump is committed to doing everything possible to strengthen American energy security and lower costs for the American people,” said U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright. “By deploying Defense Production Act funding to secure and expand electricity access in Virginia and West Virginia, the Trump Administration is strengthening the nation’s energy security for decades to come.” “Meeting Virginia’s growing energy needs requires investment and innovation that advance affordability and help build a durable future with opportunity for all Virginians,” said Virginia Energy Director Vince Maiden. “Through SPARK, we will put advanced technologies to work on existing transmission lines to expand capacity, reduce energy losses and support the economic growth that creates good jobs across the Commonwealth. We appreciate our federal and utility partners for their commitment to this effort. Virginia Energy will help ensure these investments deliver measurable results and establish a model for upgrades elsewhere in Virginia.” “This funding allows us to strengthen the grid and expand capacity while making the most of the infrastructure already serving our communities,” said Brian Abraham, President and Chief Operating officer of Appalachian Power. “By working with the Commonwealth of Virginia and the DOE, we can improve reliability and help keep costs more affordable for our customers while supporting the region’s continued growth.”

Rep. John McGuire Celebrates Groundbreaking of $500 Million Investment in Virginia's Fifth District

Position: The release describes Rep. McGuire's support for investing in U.S. munitions production capacity and celebrates a $500 million Avio USA manufacturing facility in Hurt, Virginia, which it says will create over 1,000 jobs and add a solid rocket motor supplier for defense applications.

HURT, VA — On Tuesday, Representative John McGuire (VA-05) celebrated the groundbreaking of Avio USA's newest manufacturing facility in Hurt,Virginia. The 860,000 square-foot facility in the town's Multimodal Park will bring over 1,000 jobs to the district, producing solid-propellant rocket motors for defense, tactile propulsion, missile systems, and space sectors. “Ensuring our country remains the strongest nation on earth means we must invest in our munitions production capacity and the Arsenal of Freedom,” said Rep. John McGuire (VA-05). “This investment in the Fifth District not only brings well-paying jobs to our community but gives the United States military another reliable solid rocket motor supply base to put weapons on target when needed. I was honored to join Avio USA in celebrating their groundbreaking, and I look forward to working together to ensure America’s continued strength.” “Avio USA is building more than a manufacturing facility in Virginia. We are building an American company and workforce that can bring Avio’s proven propulsion expertise to the U.S. defense market,” said James Syring, CEO of Avio USA. “Our goal is to be an independent, open-source merchant supplier, able to support multiple customers and programs and provide major defense primes with an additional source for this critical capability. That means more capacity, more competition and greater resilience in the American rocket motor supply chain. We are grateful to the Commonwealth of Virginia, the Town of Hurt, Pittsylvania County, the Department of War and our customers for their support.”

Rep. John McGuire Celebrates Passage of Bill to Shield Residents from Data Center Costs

Position: The release supports the Ratepayer Protection Act, which would require state utility regulators and nonregulated utilities to consider holding large data center customers responsible for infrastructure upgrade costs, and states that local communities should decide where data centers are located.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — On Wednesday, Representative John McGuire (VA-05) celebrated the passage of the Ratepayer Protection Act, which will protect Americans from carrying the financial burden of data centers in their communities. “Data centers are necessary, but each individual community should have the right to decide where they are located," said Rep. John McGuire (VA-05). "They should not negatively affect water tables or pass their energy costs on to ratepayers. The Ratepayer Protection Act ensures we can remain strong in the AI race against China while protecting hard-working Americans from financial burdens. We will continue to find ways to invest in American infrastructure while keeping costs low for the people who make our nation strong.” Background: The bill requires state utility regulators and nonregulated utilities to consider implementing a standard to hold certain large-load customers responsible for the costs associated with any generation, transmission, or distribution upgrade of electric service necessary to serve such customers. A large-load customer means a non-residential electric consumer that enters, or requests to enter, an agreement concerning the sale of electric energy primarily to operate information technology infrastructure and related systems pertaining to data storage and computational applications and services (e.g., data centers) that have a peak electric demand of 100 megawatts or more at a single site or campus. This rate must include the costs that would be incurred if the large-load customer terminates an agreement with the electric utility pertaining to the sale of electric energy or otherwise ceases the purchase of energy from the electric utility.

Rep. John McGuire Hosts Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz for Visit to the Fifth District

Position: The release describes a visit to a rural health center and states that eradicating fraud and lowering drug prices are priorities for ensuring access to care. It also references support for the Rural Health Transformation Program and the Make America Healthy Again agenda.

BUCKINGHAM COUNTY, VA — On Thursday, Representative John McGuire hosted Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz for a visit to Virginia's Fifth District. The stop in Buckingham County included a tour of Central Virginia Health Services, and a roundtable with staff to hear concerns and ideas for providing the best care for patients. Representative McGuire, Dr. Oz, and staff discussed improving rural healthcare, rural workforce shortages, drug pricing, preventative health, and furthering the Make America Healthy Again(MAHA) agenda. “Ensuring the health of the folks of the Fifth District is a priority of mine in Congress,” said Rep. John McGuire (VA-05). “From our youngest, to our oldest, every person should have access to safe and dependable healthcare. It was an honor to host Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz for a trip to the Fifth District to meet with community health leaders and hear what can be done to better support their efforts. We must continue working to eradicate fraud and lower drug prices to ensure our people have access to the care they need.” "Thanks to the Trump Administration's Rural Health Transformation Program, we're proud to work with state and local partners to turn bold ideas into lasting improvements for rural communities," said CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz. "I want to thank Representative John McGuire for his leadership in bringing local leaders and health care providers together to build stronger partnerships. Together, we can Make America Healthy Again."

Rep. John McGuire Celebrates Navy ROTC Partnership Between Liberty University, the University of Virginia, and the Department of War

Position: Rep. McGuire announces the finalization of a cross-town agreement allowing Liberty University students to participate in UVA's Navy ROTC unit and commission as Navy and Marine Corps officers, and expresses support for giving students opportunities to serve as military officers.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, a partnership a year in the making was finalized between Liberty University, the University of Virginia, and the Department of War, that will allow Liberty students to participate in a Navy ROTC (NROTC) program thanks to efforts by Representative John McGuire. Last year, Liberty University reached out to Representative McGuire requesting assistance getting approval for a cross-town agreement with the University of Virginia's Navy Reserve Officers Training Corps unit. While LU has a base Army and Air Force ROTC unit, they have been lacking a Navy ROTC option for students. The agreement, finalized today, will allow for Liberty University students to travel to UVA's campus to complete their NROTC training and commission as officers in the United States Navy and Marine Corps. “Students seeking to serve as officers in the U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps should be given every opportunity to do so,” said Rep. John McGuire (VA-05). “Over the past year, I have been proud to facilitate conversations with the University of Virginia, the Department of War, and Liberty University to create a cross-town agreement that will allow Liberty University students to participate in an NROTC unit, complete their training, and be commissioned as officers of the United States Navy and Marine Corps. It is amazing what we can accomplish when we work together with a common goal. I would like to thank my friend, Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao, UVA, and Liberty University, for working closely with me to make this happen. I look forward to seeing what these incredible students accomplish in service to our great nation.” Background: On October 3, 2025, Representative McGuire sent a letter to the Secretary of War advocating for Liberty to be considered a cross-town affiliate of UVA's NROTC unit. On January 12, 2026, Representative McGuire received a response that the Department of the Navy will consider the agreement proposal during its annual review of ROTC unit placement. On August 24, 2026, the agreement was finalized.

Rep. John McGuire Celebrates Lynchburg Regional Airport Receiving $8 Million Grant

Position: The release celebrates a $8 million Department of Transportation grant to Lynchburg Regional Airport for terminal upgrades and credits the representative's advocacy for securing the funding.

LYNCHBURG, VA — The U.S. Department of Transportation recently awarded $615 million in grants to airports across the country, with one recipient in the Fifth District. The Lynchburg Regional Airport received $8 million for terminal upgrades, following the recent visit of U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean P. Duffy for a visit to the Fifth District with Representative John McGuire. The funding will allow the airport to expand the current passenger terminal, creating better passenger flow and accessibility. “Virginia’s Fifth District is a top destination for travelers coming to experience our rich history or attend one of our incredible institutions of higher learning,” said Rep. John McGuire (VA-05). “A well-maintained airport is crucial to bringing in new visitors and economic growth. I was proud to work with Secretary of Transportation Sean P. Duffy to advocate for funding of the Lynchburg Regional Airport. This $8 million grant will go a long way in ensuring a smooth ride in and out of our incredible district. I would like to thank Secretary Duffy and Airport Director Cedric Simon for working with me to make this a reality.” “Upgrading our airport infrastructure is part of our work to usher in the Golden Age of Transportation," said U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean P. Duffy. "Thanks to Congressman McGuire’s great advocacy on behalf of the people of Virginia, we’re proud to deliver $8 million for a new terminal at the Lynchburg Regional Airport. American families deserve state-of-the-art infrastructure that will make their travel experience safer, smoother, and more efficient.” “This $8 million investment is significant not only for Lynchburg Regional Airport, but for the entire region,” said Airport Director Cedric Simon. “Expanding the terminal will allow us to better serve today’s passengers while making a strategic investment in the airport’s ability to support future demand.”

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.