One Day after Ken Buck (R-Colo.) announced that he will resign from the House by the end of the week, the soon-to-be former House Representative hinted that "the next three" resignations are what the GOP should really be worried about, according to a report.
The Republicans slight majority in the house was shrunken even further by Ken's departure, leaving House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) with just a two-seat lead.
Key members of Republican leadership have stated how surprised they were about the announcement. "I was surprised by Ken's announcement - I look forward to talking with him about that," Speaker Johnson told reporters.
House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) said: "I haven't gotten to talk to him. He wasn't on the floor but I'm curious to see why he's leaving early."
After Buck's departure Republicans will have 218 seats while Democrats will have 213, which means Republicans can only bare the descent of two of their members on any given partisan vote.
Several factors have led Republicans to this point, including the expulsion of George Santos (R-NY.), as well as the resignations of McCarthy and Rep. Bill Johnson (R-Ohio). A special election in April to replace Rep. Brian Higgins (D-N.Y.) may net Democrats another seat.
Colorado Gov. Jared Polis said he intends to set the special election to fill Buck's seat for June 25.What they're saying: "It lowers the margin and that creates an obvious challenge for leadership,"
Rep. Steve Womack (R-Ark.) told Axios of Buck's resignation."I am concerned about the majority," said Rep. Mike Kelly (R-Pa.), adding, "I just wish the rest of our party was."House Rules Committee Chair Tom Cole (R-Okla.) said of Buck's decision: "Obviously, it makes the numbers that much tougher."
Why Did Rep. Buck Leave?
Speaking to CNN after his announcement, Buck referenced what he claimed was growing dysfunction in Congress.
He commented: "It is the worst year of the nine years and three months that I've been in Congress."
And having talked to former members, it's the worst year in 40, 50 years to be in Congress. But I'm leaving because I think there's a job to do out there that I want to go do.
Buck has hinted the GOP could suffer more resignations after announcing he will step down at the end of the week, further shrinking his party's already thin majority in the chamber.
When asked by Axios whether he was coming under pressure from colleagues over his decision to resign, Buck replied: "I think it's the next three people that leave that they're going to be worried about."
This will reduce the number of House Republicans to 218, against 213 Democrats, at a time when Speaker Mike Johnson is already struggling to impose his authority over the chamber.
Once widely seen as a conservative hardliner, Buck has more recently attracted attention for opposing his colleagues' efforts to impeach President Joe Biden and Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.
In a X, formerly Twitter, on Tuesday, Buck said: "It has been an honor to serve the people of Colorado's 4th District in Congress for the past nine years. I want to thank them for their support and encouragement throughout the years.
"Today, I am announcing that I will depart Congress at the end of next week. I look forward to staying involved in our political process, as well as spending more time in Colorado and with my family."
A special election to replace Buck as representative for Colorado's 4th congressional district will be held on June 25.
Speaking to CNN after his announcement, Buck referenced what he claimed was growing dysfunction in Congress.
He commented: "It is the worst year of the nine years and three months that I've been in Congress. And having talked to former members, it's the worst year in 40, 50 years to be in Congress. But I'm leaving because I think there's a job to do out there that I want to go do.
When asked by Axios whether he was coming under pressure from colleagues over his decision to resign, Buck replied: "I think it's the next three people that leave that they're going to be worried about."
Buck was once seen as a conservative hardliner but, more recently, he has been a decenter against the actions of his party; including opposing efforts to impeach President Joe Biden and Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.
