Poli Alert Politics & Civics
Related Articles
Rep. Mark Green (R-Tenn.), chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee, announced Monday that he plans to resign from Congress following a final vote on President Trump’s reconciliation budget package, which includes key border security provisions championed by the GOP.
Green, who has represented Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District since 2019, said in a statement that he recently received a private sector opportunity “too exciting to pass up.” He formally notified House Speaker Mike Johnson and his colleagues of his intent to resign once Congress finalizes the reconciliation bill.
“Though I planned to retire at the end of the previous Congress, I stayed to ensure that President Trump’s border security measures and priorities make it through Congress,” Green said. “By overseeing the border security portion of the reconciliation package, I have done that.”
Leading Role on Border Security
As Homeland Security Committee chairman, Green was a central figure in House Republicans’ 2023 impeachment effort against then-Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, blaming the Biden administration for what he called “a collapse of border enforcement.”
Though his previous retirement plan was shelved at Trump’s urging, Green says this time, his decision is final.
“After that [the final vote], I will retire, and there will be a special election to replace me,” he added.
Political Implications
Green’s resignation, though expected after the reconciliation vote, could pose additional challenges for House Republicans, who already hold a narrow majority. Currently, Republicans can only afford to lose three votes on any party-line legislation. While Green’s district is safely Republican, the timing of the special election will be key.
Three other House seats — previously held by Democrats who died earlier this year — are also vacant, with special elections scheduled for the fall. Green’s exit will likely trigger another off-cycle election in Tennessee later this year.
Reconciliation Package Timeline
Congressional leaders have set a self-imposed deadline of July 4 to send the reconciliation bill to President Trump’s desk. The House passed the initial version of the bill before Memorial Day, and the Senate is expected to introduce amendments before returning it for a final House vote.
Green’s role overseeing the border-related provisions in the bill marks the culmination of his legislative efforts, according to his office.
Legacy and Future
A former Army physician and state senator, Green has long been a vocal advocate for tough immigration enforcement, national security, and conservative social policies. While it’s not yet known what his next role in the private sectorentails, his allies say the new opportunity reflects his deep interest in defense and homeland security issues.
Green’s resignation was first reported by Punchbowl News, and as of Monday, no date has been set for the special election to fill his seat.
The GOP leadership has yet to comment on Green’s departure, though his exit will almost certainly trigger internal shifts — including the need to name a new Homeland Security Committee chair at a time when immigration remains a central campaign issue.
