GOP Rep. Buck Criticizes Deteriorating GOP Congress

Last updated Mar 18, 2024

TL/DR –

The Republican party took control of the US House of Representatives in the 118th Congress and aimed to check the Biden administration, however, gridlock and internal conflict have impacted its efficacy. Colorado Rep. Ken Buck, a conservative Republican, is the latest to announce his departure, narrowing the Republican majority and exacerbating difficulties for Speaker Mike Johnson. Buck plans to focus on election reform after leaving Congress, citing widespread dissatisfaction among the public with the current state of politics and the need for better candidates across all levels of government.

Republican Struggles Amidst Majority Control in 118th Congress

In 2022, the Republicans seized the US House of Representatives only to face internal turmoil and incessant gridlock, leading many lawmakers from both sides of the aisle to abandon ship ahead of the 2024 elections. The once powerful Speaker, Kevin McCarthy of California, has seen his influence wane, causing a significant ripple effect across the chamber.

The most recent resignation came from Colorado Rep. Ken Buck, a staunch conservative who was among the few House Republicans to oppose the impeachment of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. Buck, a member of the institution since 2015, expressed his pessimism regarding the direction of the chamber.

After Buck’s departure on March 22, the already narrow Republican majority of 218-213 in the House will get even slimmer. This development poses a greater challenge for Speaker Mike Johnson of Louisiana, as he must manage the voting and the internal strife within the party.

Buck revealed to CNN that he plans to focus on election reform after leaving Congress. He believes this is a critical issue due to the widespread dissatisfaction among Americans with the impending presidential face-off between Joe Biden and Donald Trump.

Buck further emphasized the need for better candidates across all levels of government. He is determined to find the right organization to join and start working on reforming election laws, thereby bridging the divide among Americans.

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