In a surprising development, GOP Rep. Mike Gallagher of Wisconsin has announced his early resignation from Congress, dealing a significant blow to Speaker Mike Johnson and the already slim Republican majority. Gallagher confirmed in a statement that his resignation will take effect on April 19.
While Gallagher did not provide a specific reason for his departure, he mentioned that the decision was made following “conversations with my family.” His resignation adds to the existing three vacancies in the House, previously left by two Republicans and one Democrat. Furthermore, Republican Rep. Ken Buck of Colorado has also announced his impending departure from Congress after this week.
With the exits of Buck and Gallagher, Speaker Johnson’s majority will be reduced to a precarious 217-to-213, leaving the Republicans with a margin of just one vote to pass legislation with full attendance. This news was first reported by NBC News.
Gallagher, who currently chairs the high-profile Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, acknowledged the need for a new chair once he steps down. “I’ve worked closely with House Republican leadership on this timeline and look forward to seeing Speaker Johnson appoint a new chair to carry out the important mission of the Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party,” Gallagher stated.
Despite the dwindling majority, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise remains optimistic. “It is tough with a five-seat majority, it is tough with a two-seat, one will be the same,” Scalise told CNN. “We all have to work together.” He emphasized the need for unity to pass significant legislation, citing previous successes with the energy bill and border security bill.
The announcement of Gallagher’s resignation coincides with a turbulent day for the House GOP conference. The House recently passed a legislation to fund the government through the rest of the fiscal year, a compromise with Democrats that has drawn ire from the right flank of the party. A majority of House Republicans voted against the Johnson-backed funding legislation, and GOP Rep. Majorie Taylor Greene even took procedural steps to oust the speaker, a move she described as “a warning.”
The House is currently on a two-week recess for the Easter holiday, leaving Gallagher with only a few legislative days before his departure from Congress. This story will be updated as more developments unfold.