Full Biography
Representative Justin Amash (pronounced uh-MOSH) represents Michigan’s Third District in the 113th United States Congress. He was elected to his first term on November 2, 2010.
Justin was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He received his bachelor’s degree with High Honors in Economics from the University of Michigan and his Juris Doctor from the University of Michigan Law School. He worked as a business lawyer and a Michigan state representative before his election to Congress.
Justin is a member of the Joint Economic Committee and Committee on Oversight and Government Reform (OGR). He serves on the following OGR subcommittees: National Security and Government Operations.
Justin was one of only twelve Representatives to have perfect attendance, not missing one of the 948 roll call votes, during the First Session of the 112th Congress. He has been a leading critic of the unconstitutional war in Libya, the indefinite detention provisions in the National Defense Authorization Act, and the Stop Online Piracy Act—SOPA.
When asked by a New York Times reporter to describe his voting methodology, Justin explained: “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.”
Justin has been a leader in the incorporation of Facebook and other social media into his work as a public official, and he has set new standards for accountability.
In October 2010, TIME Magazine named Justin one of its "40 under 40 - Rising Stars of U.S. Politics."
Justin lives in Cascade Charter Township with his wife Kara, a graduate of Calvin College and a former elementary school teacher. Justin and Kara have three children: Alexander, Anwen, and Evelyn.