Mike Gallagher To Depart Congress Early, Putting Pressure on GOP

(USNewsBreak.com) – Congressional Conservatives have faced a lot of pressure lately. They hold a whisper-slim majority in the House, and things have been running anything but smoothly for them. Over the past few months, several Republicans have announced their intentions to step down or retire, leaving seats up for grabs. Another announcement has taken House GOP leaders by surprise.

Last month, Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-WI), chair of the House Select Committee on China, notified Congress and the public that he would not seek reelection after his term ended. However, just a few weeks later, on March 22, he announced his decision to speed up his departure timeline. His last day will now be April 19, leaving Republicans with a 217-213 majority in the Lower Chamber. That frustrated another lawmaker who suggested expelling him from Congress.

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) appeared on Fox News “Sunday Morning Futures,” where she placed the blame solely at the feet of House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) for allowing Gallagher to step down after the deadline had passed to hold a special election. In Wisconsin, the law mandates a special election if a congress member vacates their seat before the first Tuesday in April of an election year. Gallagher is exiting after that deadline. Greene is pushing for an expulsion to force Wisconsin to fill his seat.

Marjorie Taylor Greene: GOP’s Mike Gallagher should be expelled in time for special election https://t.co/xn1NqM3WMy

— The Hill (@thehill) March 26, 2024

Gallagher’s departure is just another hit for the GOP, which has already seen several losses and faces an uphill battle to retain its majority. Several committee chairs, including Rep.Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), are departing, and eight House Energy and Commerce Committee members are following suit. Proving even more troublesome, many of those leaving this year are those who worked across the aisle with their counterparts. Another eight long-time Congressional members are also opting to retire.