Representative Mark Green, the Republican chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee, reportedly announced his resignation on Monday.
His departure, timed immediately after a critical upcoming vote on the sweeping “One Big, Beautiful Bill,” underscores both the precarious balance of power in Congress and the toll of partisan governance.
Mr. Green, a former Army flight surgeon and decorated veteran of Middle East conflicts, has represented Tennessee’s 7th District since 2019.
At age 60, he confirmed in a statement that he plans to leave for a lucrative private sector opportunity “too exciting to pass up,” with the official resignation to take effect after the House finalizes the reconciliation package.
His announcement follows years of back-and-forth over retirement—he initially said he would not seek reelection in 2024, reversed course amid pressure from colleagues, and ultimately won reelection last November.
After nearly 40 years of public service, I am stepping back from my position as a Congressman. Thank you to all the people of TN-07 who have supported me during my tenure as their representative.https://t.co/c4dvWO0R91 pic.twitter.com/7ocyf4aT2X
— Rep. Mark Green (@RepMarkGreen) June 9, 2025
As chairman, Mr. Green played a leading role in assembling the border-security provisions of the controversial $46 billion “Big, Beautiful” legislative package—formally known as the One Big, Beautiful Bill Act—that recently passed the House by a single vote.
The bill, a mixture of tax cut extensions, new dedications to border enforcement, and significant cuts to social programs, is now awaiting Senate approval.
His retirement poses political challenges for Republicans. It narrows the already slim GOP majority to 219–212, increasing the pressure on Speaker Mike Johnson as the House prepares for another vote on the Senate-amended version of the bill.
The pending special election in Tennessee’s reliably Republican 7th District is expected to be won by a GOP successor, but the timing—mandated between 100 and 107 days after Mr. Green vacates the seat—leaves a critical gap in the majority.
Mr. Green’s tenure has been marked by both ideological rigor and personal controversy. A vocal proponent of border security, he led the House committee’s impeachment effort against Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.
He also spearheaded major immigration legislation. However, Mr. Green’s career has not been without discord: he briefly withdrew from consideration for U.S. Army Secretary in 2017 after making remarks about minority communities, and the revelations of his divorce and alleged personal misconduct earlier this year stirred further strain.
In his congressional statement, he reflected on nearly four decades of public service—from Iraq and Afghanistan to Tennessee’s statehouse and Capitol Hill—saying he was “proud of the work we’ve accomplished” and confident that the cause of liberty would thrive. He also urged colleagues to “continue strengthening the cause of freedom.”
With its narrow one-vote margin already tested, the House Republican majority must adapt quickly. Speaker Johnson and members like Representative Michael McCaul of Texas are reportedly coordinating transitions, including interim leadership arrangements for the Homeland Security Committee.
Mr. Green’s departure after shepherding one of the GOP’s most emblematic legislative efforts marks a turning point for House Republicans—and lays bare the precarious path of passing sweeping policy in an evenly divided chamber.
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