The number of retirements in Congress is increasing. Some are feeling frustrated by the chaotic environment, while others are looking for new career opportunities or simply taking a break.
Representative Earl Blumenauer, a member of the Democratic Party from Oregon, is among the approximately 40 legislators who will be departing from Congress at the conclusion of this term.
Blumenauer stated to CBS News that while he holds great admiration for certain colleagues from both political parties, collaborating with them has become increasingly challenging. He also expressed frustration with the constant turmoil in the House, which consumes much of the attention.
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“I have chosen to depart due to the dysfunction within the House,” stated.
Republican Representative Ken Buck
In Colorado, it is common for individuals to be dishonest. Unfortunately, those who expose these falsehoods are often seen as the villain. As a result, I believe I can make a greater impact outside of Congress rather than within it.
After the removal of the House speaker, a group of current legislators have declared their retirement from their time in Capitol Hill.
Some members and staffers in the House expressed concern about the high number of retirements. This is because some of the retiring lawmakers are highly experienced and valued by their colleagues for their hard work in Congress.
California Democrat Representative Anna Eshoo will be retiring from her 32-year career in the House of Representatives. During her time in Congress, she has sponsored more than 60 successful pieces of legislation.
During an interview from her office in California, Eshoo stated to CBS News that she is not avoiding Congress, but rather retiring from it. She expressed concern for the current state of the House of Representatives and the country.
When asked if the negative environment of the 118th Congress influenced her decision to retire, Eshoo responded, “Not exactly. That’s not my main motivation. I believe it’s simply time.”
This group of retired individuals includes both Rep. Kay Granger, a Republican from Texas who serves as the head of the influential House Appropriations Committee, and Rep. Derek Kilmer, a Democrat from Washington and congressman for the Seattle area. Kilmer played a key role in creating a proposal and report aimed at modernizing Congress, with the goal of providing suggestions for enhancing and fortifying the House.
Brad Wenstrup, a Republican from Ohio, is leading an investigation into the COVID-19 pandemic. He is also a former member of the military and provided assistance to a fellow House member who was injured in a shooting in Virginia in 2017.
The roster of outgoing legislators also consists of moderate senators who are known for their ability to bridge divides and cast crucial votes, including Sen. Mitt Romney, a Utah Republican, and Sen. Joe Manchin, Democrat of West Virginia.
The large numbers pose a threat to deplete Congress of its institutional knowledge and the connections that aided in creating agreements and nonpartisan laws.
According to the Congressional Management Foundation, a non-profit organization that offers advisory services to congressional offices, there has been a decline in the level of experience among members of Congress. Brad Fitch, the president of the foundation, informed CBS News that in 2023, approximately half of the House of Representatives had less than four years of experience in their positions.
Fitch stated that experience is crucial, whether we are discussing football coaches, neurosurgeons, or members of Congress. He believes that one of the main challenges facing Congress in fulfilling its duties to the American public is the lack of experience among its members.
The group of individuals who have retired also consists of those who are pursuing higher positions or different roles, such as Rep. Abigail Spanberger. Spanberger, a Democratic representative from Virginia known for her ability to make bipartisan deals, successfully flipped a traditionally Republican district to Democratic in 2018. She has declared her candidacy for governor of Virginia in the year 2025.
Republican Representative Alex Mooney from West Virginia is leaving his current position, which he won in a closely contested primary last year, to run for the Republican nomination for the open Senate seat in West Virginia that is being left by Joe Manchin.
The departures may spread. Blumenauer expressed that he is less likely to seek reelection due to the significant number of Republican colleagues who are also departing, specifically mentioning Wenstrup’s retirement.
Eshoo’s exit has had a significant impact on the Democratic party. In a statement, former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi stated to CBS News, “Representative Eshoo has been an influential figure in the United States Congress. For 30 years, she has impeccably represented not only her district, which she believes to be the greatest, but also our state and nation. She understands the link between our principles and the laws we pass.”
riots
The harmful nature of the US legislative branch and the consequences of the January 6, 2021 violent disturbances.
Attack on the Capitol building
It will continue to make a difference.
According to Buck, there is a significant amount of dishonesty occurring. This includes false claims about the election being illegitimate, downplaying the severity of the events on January 6th as simply a tour, and portraying the individuals involved as victims of political persecution.
Some of the retirements could have an impact on each party’s ability to win a majority in the House. Spanberger’s seat is expected to be heavily targeted by Republicans.
During his retirement announcement, Congressman Dan Kildee, a member of the Democratic party from Michigan, who represents a working-class region in a state that often swings between political parties, shared his hopefulness for the future of his party. He expressed his belief that a Democrat will be successful in securing his position in the Flint area in the upcoming year.
Manchin’s decision to retire has sparked rumors that he may run as a third-party candidate for the presidency, potentially jeopardizing President Biden’s chances of being reelected. In a recent interview with Norah O’Donnell, anchor and managing editor for CBS Evening News, this topic was discussed.Manchin
The individual expressed discontent with the division in political parties within Congress.
“I have reached the realization that we will not be able to resolve this issue in Washington,” stated Manchin. “We are losing the center and the fundamental process of reaching agreements to successfully pass legislation.”
Scott MacFarlane
Source: cbsnews.com