Once again, the stability of the Republican majority is under threat as Congressman Mike Gallagher announces his premature departure from Congress. This unexpected move by the Wisconsin Representative, who has decided to step down on April 19 after discussions with his family, is a direct hit to Speaker Mike Johnson’s already precarious control over the House.
Gallagher’s decision not to seek re-election was influenced by his belief in the Founding Fathers’ vision of temporary congressional service. “The Framers intended citizens to serve in Congress for a season and then return to their private lives,” he stated. “Electoral politics was never supposed to be a career and, trust me, Congress is no place to grow old. And so, with a heavy heart, I have decided not to run for re-election.”
Republican firebrand Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) didn’t mince words when she called for Gallagher’s immediate expulsion from Congress. She argued that this would allow Wisconsin’s constituents to elect a new representative through a special election and ensure they have a voice in the House.
“We’re in a very dangerous situation, Steve,” Greene expressed her concerns to Steve Bannon on War Room. “What Mike Gallagher did yesterday was intentional, purposeful, and puts our entire majority at risk.”
A statement from Congressman Mike Gallagher. pic.twitter.com/dOBcM8kbNV
— Rep. Gallagher Press Office (@RepGallagher) March 22, 2024
Greene continued her scathing critique: “I think he should be expelled preeminently before he’s allowed to just walk out of Congress at a date of his choosing where his district doesn’t get to replace him until next Congress. I think that is completely wrong.”
The urgency in Greene’s voice was palpable as she emphasized the importance of maintaining Republican control: “Our majority is too important to throw away and the horrible, dishonest, and completely irresponsible actions of many in our Republican majority have led us to where we are,” she declared.
Greene also took aim at Gallagher on Twitter: “Yes he should be expelled if he refuses to leave immediately in order to allow his district to hold a special election to elect a representative so that their district can have a voice for the remainder of the 118th Congress! Leaving after the deadline is intentional betrayal!”
The House already faces three vacancies – two from Republicans and one from Democrats – with Republican Rep. Ken Buck of Colorado also set to leave this week. Following these departures, Speaker Johnson will preside over an alarmingly slim 217-to-213 majority.
Gallagher currently chairs the Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party and has addressed plans for finding his successor upon stepping down: “I’ve worked closely with House Republican leadership on this timeline and look forward to seeing Speaker Johnson appoint a new chair…”
In an act that further demonstrates his integrity, Gallagher was among only a few Republicans who opposed impeaching Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.
House Majority Leader Steve Scalise attempted damage control amidst these developments: “It is tough with a five-seat majority… We all have to work together.” He stressed unity within the party as essential for achieving legislative success.
In what many Republicans view as betrayal by their own party members, the House passed an egregious $1.2 trillion spending bill last Friday – another example of how disconnected some GOP members are from their voter base.
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