Rep. Mike Gallagher of Wisconsin announced on Friday that he will be stepping down from his position in Congress in April, rather than completing his term in January. This decision further reduces the already-thin Republican majority in the House. Gallagher’s departure means that Republicans can only afford to lose one vote if all Democrats remain united. He stated that he has worked closely with House Republican leadership on this decision and looks forward to seeing Speaker Johnson appoint a new chair to continue the work of the Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party.
Gallagher is the latest Republican to resign before completing his term, adding to the struggles of the GOP majority in governing due to internal divisions. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, a Louisiana Republican, downplayed concerns about the one-seat majority, stating that while it will be challenging, it is not significantly different from having a slightly larger margin. Scalise emphasized the importance of unity within the party in order to accomplish their goals.
In February, Gallagher announced that he would not seek reelection after facing criticism for voting against impeaching Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. He expressed concerns about the dangerous precedent that the GOP was setting with the impeachment, which could be used against future Republican administrations. Gallagher chairs the House Select Committee on China, known for its bipartisan work, and recently introduced a bill that could lead to a ban on TikTok, which was swiftly approved by the House earlier this month.
The departure of Gallagher, along with other resignations within the GOP, highlights the challenges faced by the party in maintaining its majority in the House. With internal divisions and disagreements on key issues, the GOP is struggling to present a unified front. Gallagher’s decision to step down earlier than expected adds to the uncertainty surrounding the Republican leadership in the House and raises questions about the party’s ability to effectively govern and advance its legislative agenda.
Overall, Gallagher’s resignation underscores the fragile nature of the Republican majority in the House and the need for unity within the party to address key issues facing the country. As Republicans navigate internal divisions and work to maintain their hold on power, the departure of key members like Gallagher further complicates their efforts to govern effectively. The upcoming appointment of a new chair for the Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party will be a crucial decision that could shape the party’s direction moving forward.
