Republicans have been falling one after another, like dominoes across the room. Unfortunately for the Republicans, they are losing a startling number of committee chairs. The latest announcement came as the representative’s district and protesters clamored for him to go against Donald Trump’s policies.
Rather than face that mountain of willpower, the 12-term congressman decided to turn in his chairmanship of the House Appropriations Committee. That job made him more responsible to the House leadership, which advocates for the president.
What was especially disheartening for the Democrats is that Representative Rodney Frelinghuysen (R-NJ) has been a more moderate Republican. His district wanted him to go against Trump’s anti-environment issues. He even opposed the Republican American Health Care Act, at first. The Congressman also opposed the huge tax revision favoring the wealthiest, in December.
Frelinghuysen released a statement about his retirement, NewJersey.com reported:
‘I have worked in a bipartisan manner, not just in times of crisis but always, because I believe it best serves my constituents, my state and our country. My father reminded me often that we are temporary stewards of the public trust. I have sincerely endeavored to earn that trust every day and I thank my constituents and my home state of New Jersey for the honor to serve and I will continue to do so to the best of my abilities through the end of my term.’
The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee released its own statement, too, according to NewJersey.com:
‘After ducking his constituents for months, Representative Frelinghuysen has now denied them the chance to throw him out. His retirement comes as no surprise given his community’s disgust with this Republican Congress, which spent nearly all of last year throwing our healthcare system into chaos.’
Featured Image via Getty Images/Astrid Rieken.
