Republican Congressman Ken Buck announced his departure from Congress, scheduled for the end of next week, attributing his decision to the escalating lack of civility within the chamber, exacerbated by the fragile majority held by his party.
The exit of the 65-year-old Colorado lawmaker will diminish the Republican majority in the House of Representatives to 218-213, intensifying the challenges faced by Speaker Mike Johnson in managing the chamber.
Buck, addressing reporters, expressed concern over the growing dysfunction in U.S. politics, emphasizing the erosion of civility and the disconnect from the priorities of the American people. While refraining from directly faulting his party, Buck acknowledged the daunting task ahead for those tasked with managing Congress.
The Republican Party has encountered internal dissent, with hardliners frequently diverging from party lines on critical votes. This discord has compelled leadership to rely on procedural maneuvers, such as the suspension of rules, to advance essential legislation, often necessitating Democratic support.
Buck himself has demonstrated independence from his party on significant votes, notably on the impeachment of Alejandro Mayorkas, a senior border official in the Biden administration. The initial failure of the House’s vote on this matter served as a setback for Speaker Johnson.
Having previously announced his decision not to seek reelection at the end of his term, Buck’s departure marks another departure from the halls of Congress, further reflecting the strains and divisions within American politics.
