Top Republican Announces Retirement

House Homeland Security Committee Chair, Representative Mark Green (R-Tenn.), made a significant announcement on Wednesday, revealing his decision to retire from Congress. Expressing his desire to conclude his tenure with a notable achievement, Green cited the successful impeachment of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas as one of his key accomplishments.

In a statement to reporters on the steps of the Capitol, Green emphasized the fulfillment of his objectives during his time in office. “I’ve achieved what I set out to do. Securing a robust border security bill was a priority, and we’ve achieved that. Additionally, holding the administration accountable led to the historic impeachment of a sitting Cabinet secretary,” Green remarked.

The impeachment of Mayorkas, passed with just one vote to spare, marked a significant moment in American political history, being the first instance of a Cabinet official being impeached since the 1870s.

Reflecting on his experience in Congress, Green shared insights into the dynamics of power in Washington. “My time here has taught me that the real battle isn’t within Washington itself, but rather against the entrenched forces of Washington,” he remarked.

Having served his first term as chair, Green’s decision to retire adds to a growing list of GOP chairs exiting Congress. At 59, Green was elected to represent Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District in 2018, a region consistently favoring Republican candidates according to the Cook Political Report.

While Green remained tight-lipped about his future plans, including any potential bid for the 2026 Tennessee gubernatorial race, he expressed his commitment to supporting former President Trump’s political endeavors. “I intend to contribute to Donald Trump’s campaign efforts. My focus will be on assisting him in securing victory in the upcoming presidential election,” Green affirmed.

During his tenure as chair, Green placed a significant emphasis on scrutinizing the Department of Homeland Security, particularly targeting Mayorkas. However, the impeachment vote faced initial hurdles, requiring two attempts to pass. Three Republicans broke ranks with their party, expressing concerns about the abuse of impeachment power and the failure to meet constitutional standards.

Ultimately, the articles of impeachment are unlikely to garner much attention in the Democrat-led Senate, signaling the end of this chapter in Green’s congressional career.