House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Mark Green has announced his early departure from Congress. The Tennessee Republican revealed Monday he plans to step down after the House votes on President Trump's reconciliation package, often referred to as the "big, beautiful bill."
According to Fox News, Green cited an enticing private sector opportunity as the reason for his unexpected resignation before the end of his term.
The four-term congressman expressed mixed emotions about leaving his position representing Tennessee's 7th Congressional District, which he has held since 2019. Green described his congressional service as "the honor of a lifetime" while acknowledging his commitment to seeing Trump's border security measures through to completion.
Green has played a significant role in crafting the border security provisions within Trump's reconciliation package. His expertise in homeland security matters positioned him as a key figure in advancing the administration's immigration enforcement priorities through Congress.
As chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee, Green led Republicans' impeachment of former Biden administration DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. This high-profile effort underscored his commitment to border enforcement and immigration policy reform.
Though Green had previously planned to retire at the end of the last Congress, he chose to remain in office specifically to help ensure Trump's border security agenda would succeed. "I stayed to ensure that President Trump's border security measures and priorities make it through Congress," Green stated in his announcement.
The exact nature of Green's next career move remains undisclosed. His statement only mentioned "an opportunity in the private sector that was too exciting to pass up," leaving speculation about which industry might have attracted the Army veteran and physician.
Green's decision comes as Republican leadership aims to complete consideration of Trump's massive agenda bill by the Fourth of July or shortly thereafter. The timing of his departure appears strategically aligned to fulfill his commitment to border security legislation while transitioning to his next chapter.
The reconciliation package narrowly passed the House with a 215-214 vote and is currently under Senate consideration. Green indicated he will remain in Congress through the final House vote on the Senate-modified version before Trump can sign it into law.
Green's departure will trigger a special election in Tennessee's heavily Republican 7th District. The district voted for Trump by more than 20 percentage points over former Vice President Kamala Harris in the last election, making it likely to remain in Republican hands.
"After that, I will retire, and there will be a special election to replace me," Green confirmed in his statement. The timing of this special election will depend on when Green officially submits his resignation following the reconciliation package vote.
Tennessee state law outlines specific procedures for filling congressional vacancies, with the governor required to call a special election. The district includes parts of Middle and West Tennessee, encompassing areas known for their strong conservative voting patterns.
Green reflected proudly on his legislative accomplishments during his time in Congress. He highlighted achievements, including historic tax cuts, border security efforts alongside President Trump, and defending pro-life policies.
The chairman specifically acknowledged the staff members who supported his work both in his district office and on the Homeland Security Committee. Their contributions helped advance his conservative agenda and homeland security priorities throughout his tenure.
Green's impact on national security policy and border enforcement will likely remain influential even after his departure. His work on the reconciliation package's border security provisions represents a final legislative achievement before transitioning to private life.
