Republicans consider quitting Congress early over death threats and infighting

"41 members have already announced they plan to call it quits at the end of their term, with more expected to follow. Most House lawmakers make $174,000 a year. What they're saying: Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.), who is retiring in 2027, told Axios he was "so angry" at the Trump administration's proposed 28-point Russia-Ukraine peace plan last week that he "thought about" resigning early. The White House did not reply to a request for comment on Bacon's comments. Another House Republican, speaking on the condition of anonymity, told Axios that while they are not likely to resign, "the thought has crossed my mind" and "I know I'm not the only one.""

"State of play: Since July, House members have spent only a handful of days in Washington. They returned from a seven-week recess to a schedule dominated by punitive resolutions targeting their own colleagues. Rank-and-file members of both parties are relying on procedural workarounds, like discharge petitions, to force votes on broadly popular bills. Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) would like to limit those workarounds, as Axios first reported. With a razor-thin majority (currently at 219-213), a few defections can derail everything, making legislating more difficult."

"Threats against lawmakers have surged, and after the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, members say the atmosphere feels even more volatile. Rep. Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.) told Axios on Monday the threats have been a factor in members' decision to leave. "It takes a toll on people," he said. Retiring Rep. Jared Golden (D-Maine) and Greene both said the uptick in political violence was part of their decisions to leave Congress."

Forty-one House members have announced plans to retire at the end of their terms, with more departures expected. Most lawmakers earn $174,000 annually. Frustration with a proposed 28-point Russia-Ukraine peace plan prompted Rep. Don Bacon to consider resigning early, and other Republicans say the thought has crossed their minds. Since July, members have spent few days in Washington and returned to a calendar dominated by punitive resolutions. Rank-and-file members are using procedural workarounds to force votes on popular bills while Speaker Mike Johnson seeks to limit them. A razor-thin majority amplifies the impact of defections. Threats and political violence have surged, and some members cite safety concerns as a factor in leaving. Criticism of leadership and perceived sidelining have also contributed to departures.

Read at Axios