GOP lawmaker Ken Buck (R-Colorado) announced his retirement on Tuesday, surprising fellow Republicans in the House of Representatives.
With the resignations of Kevin McCarthy and Bill Johnson and the removal of George Santos, Republicans are now leading by a slim majority of 218–213.
Buck, 65, who has taken controversial stances on various issues, was a member of the House Judiciary and Foreign Affairs committees.
The Colorado representative, who has been in Congress since 2015, expressed frustrations with the direction of the GOP.
Buck claims that the GOP leaders are dishonest about the 2020 elections and the violence that occurred in the Capitol on January 6, 2021.
“It is the worst year of the nine years and three months that I’ve been in Congress, and having talked to former members, it’s the worst year in 40, 50 years to be in Congress,” he said. “But I’m leaving because I think there’s a job to do out there.”
“This place has just devolved into this bickering and nonsense and is not really doing the job for the American people.”
When he announced in November last year that he wouldn’t be running for re-election, Buck blasted the Republican Party.
“Our nation is on a collision course with reality, and a steadfast commitment to truth, even uncomfortable truths, is the only way forward,” Buck said.
“Too many Republican leaders are lying to America, claiming that the 2020 election was stolen, describing Jan. 6 as an unguided tour of the Capitol, and asserting that the ensuing prosecutions are a weaponization of our justice system.”
Buck also criticized the ongoing impeachment inquiry, describing the move as based “on an imagined history.”
“This trend among Republicans is a significant departure from the enduring principles of conservatism,” Buck said in his video statement.
The lawmaker also voted against the impeachment of Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.
Meanwhile, GOPers took to social media to express their utter lack of concern for Buck’s retirement.
“I was a supporter of Ken Buck for a long time; it’s sad to watch someone sell out in such a nasty way,” says Brigitte Gabriel.
Gabriel added that the Congressman should return his salary.
Another user said, “So long, Ken Buck. You are a traitor to your constituents and all Republicans.”
“Ken Buck’s resignation from Congress is no coincidence. Democrats are picking off the slim Republican House majority one by one to regain their majority, so if Trump is elected, Democrats will not certify him as president on January 6th!” says Mike Engleman.
