US Representative Mike Gallagher Announces Retirement
Mike Gallagher to Retire from Congress
U.S. Representative Mike Gallagher, chairman of the House select committee on competition with China, revealed on Saturday that he will not seek re-election. This decision comes just four days after he defied party leadership by voting against impeaching President Joe Biden’s top border official.
Gallagher’s Statement on Retirement
The 39-year-old, who has served four terms in the House and is a former Marine Corps intelligence officer, emphasized that elective office was not meant to be a lifelong career. In a statement, he expressed his decision not to run for re-election, citing the intention of the U.S. Constitution and the unsuitability of Congress as a place to grow old.
Vote Against Impeachment
Gallagher, one of only four House Republicans to oppose the impeachment of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, faced pressure from his party to change his vote, but he stood firm. In a Wall Street Journal opinion piece, he argued that impeachment would not address border issues and could set a dangerous precedent against future Republican administrations.
Committee Work and Bipartisan Efforts
Gallagher has been a key figure in the House Armed Services and intelligence committees, and has chaired the Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party. This bipartisan panel was formed in January 2023 and aims to investigate U.S. relations with China and develop strategies to enhance the country’s ability to compete with China. Gallagher’s ability to work smoothly with Democrats on the panel has earned him praise.
Republican Efforts on China
Republicans have prioritized taking a tough stance against China, and the select committee is part of their efforts to address growing tensions with the country. Gallagher’s work on this front has been crucial, as the issue of China is one of the few policies with bipartisan support in the highly divided U.S. Congress.
