House Speaker Mike Johnson’s record majority could face an even bigger split after Republicans announced they would not caucus with House Republicans for the foreseeable future.

Indiana Republican Rep. Victoria Spartz, who ran for re-election in November after initially deciding not to seek a third term, announced her departure from the House Republican Caucus. post On Monday evening, he spoke out on X, citing his dissatisfaction with the House Republican leadership.

“While I remain a registered Republican, I will not serve on committees or participate in caucuses until I see Republican leadership in Congress in control,” Spartz wrote to X. Ta.You don’t have to join the circus. I would rather spend more time helping. @DOGE and @RepThomasMasie To save our Republic, as it is our duty as Americans. ”

I will remain a registered Republican, but I will not serve on committees or participate in caucus until I know that Republican leadership in Congress is in control. You don’t have to join the circus. I would rather spend more time helping. @DOGE and @RepThomasMasie To… https://t.co/ZNju2jvNHk

— Rep. Victoria Spartz (@RepSpartz) December 16, 2024

The Indiana Republican has pledged to spend his time supporting Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy’s cost-cutting commission, known as the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), but the federal budget Congressional support is needed to reduce waste, fraud, and abuse.

Spartz issued an additional statement Tuesday morning confirming his pledge to relinquish his participation in the Republican caucus and committee assignments. If Mr. Spartz makes good on his promise, the Indiana Republican would resign from the influential House Judiciary Committee, which is tasked with overseeing the Justice Department and FBI.

“In this election, the American people sent Republicans a big message and a mission to govern, rather than delivering talking points and messaging legislation,” Spartz said. I wrote in a statement. “Our country is on a path to fiscal conflict, and it will take some courage and structural change in Congress to challenge a status quo that is not happening. As a member of Congress and a financial professional, I have no intention of continuing to engage in the circus.”

“I would rather focus my energy on helping President Trump, his appointees, and DOGE deliver on their promises through reconciliation. Facebook for fundraising I’m going to work hard to do actual work for the people I represent, not just post to k or Congress cannot fail President Trump and the American people again.”

House Republicans are likely to maintain a 216-215 majority through the first months of President-elect Donald Trump’s second term. This is due to President Trump’s decision to appoint three members of the House of Representatives to serve in his administration, and the resignation of Florida Representative Matt Gaetz after failing to secure Senate support. , House Republicans could maintain a 216-215 majority. He will serve as the next president’s attorney general.

Mr. Spartz’s sudden announcement that he would recuse himself from the House Republican conference could give Indiana Republicans significant leverage over whether Republicans can pass Mr. Trump’s legislative agenda in the next Congress. be.

To win a one-seat majority, Mr. Johnson would need to secure the support of all Republicans to pass partisan legislation.

Mr. Spartz’s decision to leave the House Republican Conference also raises questions about whether Indiana Republicans will support Mr. Johnson’s quest to retain the House speakership in the next Congress.

Mr. Spartz notably voted in May to support Georgia Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene’s effort to remove Mr. Johnson from the chair, which was firmly rejected by a majority of Republican and Democratic lawmakers. did.

Mr. Spartz’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment from the Daily Caller News Foundation on whether Indiana Republicans plan to support Mr. Johnson as speaker in the next Congress.

In February 2023, Spartz announced that he would not seek a third term, citing a need to spend more time with his family. Indiana Republicans later reversed their decision in February 2024. (Related: Republican lawmaker reverses decision to retire from Congress, seeks reelection)

“It’s never easy deciding where your obligations lie: family, work, country. Early last year, I took some time off from running for office to recharge and spend some time with my family in Indiana. I decided to spend more time there,” Spartz said. statement. “But looking at where we are today, and at the urging of many of my constituents, I believe that with the current failed leadership in Washington, D.C., we cannot address the issues that are important to our country in this Congress. I don’t think I’ll be able to give a speech.” He worked very hard. ”

“As someone who grew up under oppression, I understand the importance of this difficult time for our republic. I am honored to continue to fight for my fellow Hoosiers and, God willing, if God so chooses.” We must continue to make the countless American sacrifices for our freedom and keep the American Dream alive for our children,” Spartz added.

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