Rep. Mike Rogers (R-AL) said Monday that he plans on stepping down from serving on the GOP Steering Committee after a congressional colleague physically restrained him from lunging at Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) during the Speaker of the House vote last weekend.
Rogers currently represents Region 6 on the steering committee, which includes Alabama and Tennessee. The body makes assignments to be voted on by the Democratic Caucus or Republican Conference.
However, he told Politico he would vacate his seat later this week “on his own accord,” tasking region members to elect a new representative.
Rogers further noted to the news outlet there is a chance he could change his mind.
The lawmaker’s decision comes days after North Carolina Republican Rep. Richard Hudson had to hold Rogers back in the dramatic confrontation with Gaetz, who was one of the last GOP holdouts blocking Rep. Kevin McCarthy from assuming the role of Speaker of the House during the midnight hours on Saturday.
The two have since resolved their differences in the aftermath of McCarthy securing the speaker’s gavel.
“@RepMattGaetz and I have a long and productive working relationship, that I am sure will continue,” Rogers said in a tweet. “I regret that I briefly lost my temper on the House Floor Friday evening and appreciate Matt’s kind understanding.”
Gaetz extended his “forgiveness” to Rogers, adding the lawmaker shouldn’t face “any punishment or reprisal just because he had an animated moment.”
.@RepMattGaetz and I have a long and productive working relationship, that I am sure will continue. I regret that I briefly lost my temper on the House Floor Friday evening and appreciate Matt’s kind understanding. https://t.co/8GmbJHO3cK
— Mike Rogers (@RepMikeRogersAL) January 8, 2023
Politico reported that Rep. Robert Aderholt (R-AL) has his eye on the position while Rep. Diana Harshbarger (R-TN) is “aggressively” working to garner support for the regional spot if Rogers ultimately decides to step down.
Rogers has not made any further comments on his decision.
The 118th Congress resumed on Monday to move forward on a rules package after the week of voting to select McCarthy, who won after 15 ballots with 216 votes over Rep. Hakeem Jeffries’ (D-NY) 212 votes after six Republican members voted “present,” which lowered the bar needed for McCarthy to clinch the position.