Rep. Mark Greene (R-Tenn.) announced on Monday that he will support the party’s “big beautiful bill,” resigning from his House seat and stepping down from his leadership role on the Homeland Security Committee.
Greene mentioned that he has already secured a position outside of Congress.
“It’s with a heavy heart that I share my decision to retire from Congress. Recently, I found myself excited about a new opportunity in the private sector that prompted me to make this transition. Consequently, I’ve notified the Speaker and the House of my intention to resign once the House votes on the settlement package,” Greene stated.
“Initially, I planned to retire at the conclusion of the previous Congress, but I chose to stay to ensure that President Trump’s border security agendas were advanced in Congress. I achieved that by overseeing the border security element of the settlement package. After this, I will step down and a special election will be held to fill my seat.”
His choice to remain until the House provides final approval for the GOP tax cuts and spending package has relieved Republican leaders, who have been struggling with a slim majority and previously passed the same bill last month.
Senate Republicans are preparing to implement several changes to the legislation, with the House expected to vote on the revised bill during the summer.
This marks the second occasion on which Greene has indicated his intention to resign.
Greene initially planned to exit Congress in February 2024 but later decided to hold on to his seat and run for re-election following encouragement from President Trump.
Rep. Benny Thompson (D-Miss.), a ranking member of the committee, responded calmly to the news.
“He chaired for just a few years, but I wish him well in his future endeavors,” Thompson stated.
Greene’s resignation will result in the House composition being 219 Republicans and 212 Democrats. This means the GOP’s margin is slim, with only a three-vote cushion to pass legislation, assuming all members are present.
With Greene’s departure, the chairmanship will become available, which a panel is vying for that reviews many of Trump’s key immigration policies.
During the Biden administration, Greene has been a vocal critic, holding numerous hearings focused on the fentanyl crisis and inviting parents who have lost children to deaths linked to immigration-related issues.
Under Trump, the committee conducted a hearing focused on immigration policies and budgetary matters during Biden’s tenure, urging the White House to intensify its deportation efforts.
Greene, a physician and military veteran, served in missions in Iraq and Afghanistan.
After only two terms in Congress, he will depart for his fourth term.
Source: thehill.com