Buck's early departure would reduce the Republican majority to 218 seats compared to 213 Democratic seats.
Colorado Republican Rep. Ken Buck, known for his moderate conservatism and occasional clashes with his party, revealed Tuesday that he will leave Congress at the end of next week. bbc reported.
Buck, a critic of dysfunction on Capitol Hill, described the current year as the toughest of his nine years and three months in Congress and said it was the worst year in forty or fifty years.
Expressing frustration with the current problem and perceived lack of value for Americans, Buck emphasized that his primary motivation for leaving a stable job opportunity outside of Congress would be affected by his departure.
President Mike Johnson faces challenges because of the partisan balance of government, where Republicans hold a slim majority, often relying on cross-party votes to introduce major legislation.
Buck's early departure would reduce the Republican majority to 218 seats compared to 213 Democrats, with three vacancies. This delicate balance leaves little room for strictly partisan-backed legislation.
When asked about the impact of Donald Trump's supposed status as a Republican candidate on his decision, Buck affirmed his belief in a candidate selection system and his commitment to participating in the process.
Despite previously announcing his decision not to seek re-election in 2024, citing legislative stance and rejection of his party's votes, Buck's abrupt departure highlights broader concerns about the state of American politics.
A former Justice Department attorney, Buck was first elected to Congress in 2014, and aims to address changes he believes go beyond the law.
