In a significant development for the Republican Party, GOP Rep. Mike Gallagher of Wisconsin has announced his resignation from Congress, dealing another blow to Speaker Mike Johnson and the already slim Republican majority. Gallagher confirmed that his resignation will be effective from April 19.

Although Gallagher did not provide a specific reason for his decision, he mentioned that it came after discussions with his family. His departure will contribute to the growing number of vacancies in the House of Representatives. Currently, there are three vacant seats, left by two Republicans and one Democrat. Additionally, Republican Rep. Ken Buck of Colorado has also announced his plans to leave Congress after this week.

With the departure of both Gallagher and Buck, Speaker Johnson's Republican majority will narrow further to a 217-to-213 margin. This slim majority means that Republicans can only afford to lose one vote with full attendance, while still being able to successfully pass legislation.

The news of Gallagher's decision was initially reported by NBC News. As Chairman of the high-profile Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, Gallagher has been actively involved in addressing the United States' relationship with China. In his statement, Gallagher expressed his confidence in the House Republican leadership to appoint a new chair who will continue the important mission of the Select Committee.

With another vacancy to fill, Speaker Johnson faces the task of finding a suitable replacement for Gallagher, as the Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party continues its work. The resignation of Gallagher adds yet another challenge for the Republican Party, which is already dealing with a delicate balance of power in Congress.

As the Republican Party navigates through these changes, it remains to be seen how the departure of Gallagher and other representatives will impact the legislative agenda and the future of the Republican majority in Congress.