Rep. Brian Higgins (D-N.Y.) introduced he plans to resign in February after 19 years in authorities service, believing he can serve his district higher elsewhere.
Higgins, who represents New York’s twenty sixth U.S. Congressional District, which covers cities like Buffalo and Niagara Falls, cited rising dysfunction in Washington, D.C., as the explanation for his departure.
“I’ve all the time been impatient, and that trait has helped us make important progress for this neighborhood,” Higgins stated. “However the tempo in Washington, D.C., will be sluggish and irritating, particularly this yr.”
“Due to this fact, after cautious consideration, I’ve made the troublesome resolution to go away Congress and discover different methods by which I can construct and serve Buffalo and Western New York,” he continued.
like male by hillHiggins represents simply one in every of a number of members of Congress, together with Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), who’ve introduced their departure in current weeks, citing rising frustration with polarization.
“Nineteen years in the past this month, I used to be first elected to Congress, and doing this work has really been the honour of a lifetime,” he stated.
“I by no means stayed on Capitol Hill, going there on a mission to vary my neighborhood and coming dwelling on the primary flight each week, as a result of being in Western New York, speaking to folks right here, offers an pressing reminder of what I used to be despatched,” he added. “Washington has to try this.” “.
At a information convention on the Buffalo Historical past Museum, Higgins additionally spoke He said He feels it’s time for a change.
“It is only a time for a change, and I feel that is the precise time. I wish to come again to the town and serve this metropolis that I’ve represented in Washington for the previous 19 years.”
“Congress is just not the establishment I went to 19 years in the past. It is a very totally different place right now,” he continued. “We’re spending extra time doing much less. The American persons are not being served.”