Tennessee Rep. Mark Green, a decorated U.S. Army veteran and chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee, has officially resigned from Congress, effective July 20, to take on a mysterious private-sector role aimed at countering the Chinese Communist Party.
Green announced his departure in a Fourth of July video message, calling it “a heavy heart” moment while thanking his Tennessee’s 7th District constituents for their trust.
“While I cannot give the details here, I will be doing something specifically designed to help America compete against the CCP — but this time, in business,” Green said.
Green Leaves Behind Critical Seat in Slim GOP Majority
Green’s departure reduces the House Republican majority to 219–212, and with three special elections coming this fall for seats Democrats are expected to win, Speaker Mike Johnson’s margin for error is vanishing fast.
This comes right before a likely government shutdown fight in the fall and as Johnson plans another reconciliation bill — the legislative tool that pushed through Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill without Democrat support.
Green’s seat will be filled in a special election, but for now, the America First agenda faces tougher odds in a chamber already plagued by RINO defections and Democrat obstruction.
Homeland Security Chair Who Helped Draft Trump’s Border Bill
As chair of the House Homeland Security Committee, Green played a central role in drafting the border security provisions of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act signed into law by President Trump.
The legislation included:
Green was a reliable conservative voice on immigration, national security, and taking the fight to the CCP — and his departure is a major loss at a time when the GOP needs strong leadership more than ever.
Divorce Drama and Misinformation
Green made headlines last year after his wife filed for divorce, alleging an affair with a reporter from Axios — only to later retract her statement, admitting she had misidentified the woman.
“My husband has never had a relationship with a reporter from Axios,” she told Politico. “I regret having said that.”
Despite the drama, Green continued serving and had previously said he wouldn’t run for re-election — only to change course two weeks later. Now, he’s gone — and his absence leaves a major hole in the conservative bench.
