Washington, D.C. (Michigan News Source) – United States Representative John Moolenaar (R-MI) has been appointed to be the Chair of the U.S. House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and Chinese Communist Party (CCP) after current Chair Representative Mike Gallagher (R-WI) resigns from office next month.

Rep. Moolenaar shared his thoughts on the early resignation of Rep. Gallagher.

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“Chairman Mike Gallagher has done a tremendous job in highlighting the numerous threats our country faces from the rising aggression of the Chinese Communist Party. Under his leadership, the Select Committee on the CCP has been genuinely bipartisan and advanced serious policies that strengthen the United States and position our nation for victory in the competition against the CCP. I wish him all the best, except during NFL games. Go Lions!”

House Speaker appoints Representative Moolenaar.

Rep. Moolenaar expressed his gratitude to U.S. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-LA).

“I am thankful to the Speaker for this appointment, and I look forward to working with Ranking Member Krishnamoorthi, the members of the Select Committee, House leaders, and the standing committees in the weeks and months ahead. Together, we can help our country prepare for the challenges we face from the Chinese Communist Party and win the competition against the CCP,” said Moolenaar. “I am also grateful to Chairman Gallagher. He has been an incredible leader for our country as a member of the military, and as a member of Congress, where he was instrumental in creating the Select Committee. His selfless and faithful stewardship of the Select Committee has been a tremendous success and benefited the American people.”

U.S. Speaker Johnson also shared some of his thoughts on Rep. Moolenaar’s potential.

“John Moolenaar will be an exceptional chairman for the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party. His leadership experience in the private and public sectors, his academic background, and his principled service in Congress have earned John the respect of his colleagues on both sides of the aisle. Our country, our economy, and our national security will be well-served by his wisdom and guidance in the ongoing work of this critical select committee,” said Johnson.

Rep. Gallagher’s resignation will take effect on April 19.

On March 22, Rep. Gallagher announced that he was stepping down as a member of the House.

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“After conversations with my family, I have made the decision to resign my position as a member of the House of Representatives for Wisconsin’s Eighth Congressional District, effective April 19, 2024,” Rep. Gallagher said in a statement.
He also shared some reflections about his time and service in the U.S. House.
“Four terms serving Northeast Wisconsin in Congress has been the honor of a lifetime and strengthened my conviction that America is the greatest country in the history of the world. I will forever be proud of the work I did on the Armed Services and Intelligence Committees, chairing the Cyberspace Solarium Commission, and chairing the Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party. It has truly been an honor to serve in the House of Representatives.”

Possible consequences from Rep. Gallagher stepping down.

Once Rep. Gallagher steps down from office, it will leave Republicans with a 217-213 majority in the House, meaning that the party cannot lose more than a single vote to the Democrats. Due to Wisconsin law, his seat cannot be filled until the general election in November.