Republican China Committee Chairman Mike Gallagher Retiring from US Congress
Gallagher to Retire from Congress
U.S. Representative Mike Gallagher, who currently chairs the House select committee on competition with China, has announced that he will not seek re-election. This decision comes just four days after he was one of only four House Republicans to vote against impeaching President Joe Biden’s top border official.
Statement from Gallagher
In a statement, Gallagher, a four-term House member and former Marine Corps intelligence officer, emphasized that the founding fathers of the U.S. Constitution did not intend elective office to be a lifelong career. He expressed his decision with a heavy heart, acknowledging that Congress is no place to grow old and that electoral politics were never supposed to be a career.
Vote Against Impeachment
On Tuesday, Gallagher was one of four Republican House members who voted against impeaching Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. Despite intense pressure to change his vote, Gallagher stood his ground, stating in a Wall Street Journal opinion piece that impeachment would not resolve border issues and would set a dangerous precedent for future administrations.
Commitment to China Committee
Gallagher, who is a member of both the House Armed Services and intelligence committees, has been dedicated to leading the Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, which aims to investigate U.S. relations with China and develop strategies to enhance the country’s competitive edge. He has received widespread praise for his bipartisan approach and cooperation with Democrats on the panel.
Impact on US-China Relations
The formation of the select committee in January 2023 by Republicans underscores the growing tensions with China. A firm stance against China is one of the few policies with bipartisan support in Congress, and Gallagher has played a pivotal role in addressing the complex issues surrounding US-China relations.
Bright Future Ahead
While Gallagher’s decision not to seek re-election marks the end of his current political career, his commitment to addressing critical issues in U.S. foreign policy is likely to continue in other capacities. Moreover, his leadership and dedication to serving the country have left an indelible mark on his colleagues and constituents.
