Rep. Brian Higgins (D-N.Y.) introduced on Sunday he plans to resign in February after 19 years, citing frustrations in Congress throughout a very tumultuous yr for the chamber.
Higgins, who represents New York’s closely Democratic twenty sixth Congressional District, cited rising dysfunction.
“I’ve always been a little impatient, and that trait has helped us deliver remarkable progress for this community,” Higgins stated in a press release. “But the pace in Washington, D.C. can be slow and frustrating, especially this year.”
“Therefore, after thoughtful consideration, I have made the difficult decision to leave Congress and explore other ways I can build up and serve Buffalo and Western New York,” he continued.
Higgins, 64, started his tenth time period in workplace in January 2023. He serves on the House Ways and Means Committee and the House Budget Committee. Higgins is co-chair of the Northern Border Caucus and the Canada-U.S. Inter-Parliamentary Group. He is the co-chair of the Bipartisan Cancer Caucus.
He joins numerous different House members who’ve introduced their departure in current weeks.
“It was nineteen years ago this month that I was first elected to serve in Congress and doing this work has truly been the honor of a lifetime,” he stated in the assertion.
“I’ve never lingered on Capitol Hill, I go there on a mission to change my community and return home on the first flight each week because being in Western New York, talking to people here, provides an urgent reminder of what I was sent to Washington to do,” he added.
Higgins made the announcement at a information convention on the Buffalo History Museum, the Associated Press reported.
“It’s just a time for change, and I think this is the time,” and, “I want to come back to the city and serve this city that I have represented in Washington for the past 19 years.”
“Congress is not the institution that I went to 19 years ago. It’s a very different place today,” he stated, the AP reported. “We’re spending more time doing less. And the American people aren’t being served.”
During the announcement, he reportedly stated he had been fielding gives however didn’t know what he would do subsequent when he departs in February.
Local shops have reported that Higgins is probably going to settle for a job with the celebrated Buffalo’s Shea’s Performing Arts Center, however his workplace has not confirmed the reporting.
In a press release to The Hill, a spokesperson for Higgins didn’t reply instantly to whether or not the congressman plans to take a place on the prestigious theater, however stated, “Today Congressman Higgins announced plans to leave Congress in February. He will have more to say about future plans in the weeks to come.”
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) issued a press release following the announcement Sunday, calling Higgins “a dedicated public servant,” who “has brought the best of Buffalo to the House Democratic Caucus family.”
“For nearly two decades, Brian Higgins has embodied the role of Buffalo’s hometown Member of Congress,” Jeffries stated. “In Congress, and in the State Assembly and Buffalo Common Council earlier than that, Brian has been a relentless champion for town’s financial growth and prosperity. Brian has left an indelible mark on Buffalo’s waterfront, biomedical analysis establishments and revitalized infrastructure.
Jeffries added: “As a Member of the Committee on Ways and Means and the Budget Committee, Brian has been a staunch defender of Social Security and Medicare and a champion for lowering health care costs for families in Western New York and across the country. During his time in Congress, Brian also served with distinction on the House Foreign Affairs and Homeland Security Committees, representing America’s national security interests abroad and here at home.”
Updated 6:08 p.m.
