GOP House Majority Shrinks Again After Second Lawmaker Exits in One Day

The Republican majority in the U.S. House of Representatives grew even narrower on Tuesday. Two events reduced the GOP's numbers. First, the resignation of Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia officially took effect. Later the same day, Representative Doug LaMalfa of California died suddenly. These two departures leave Republicans with 217 seats to Democrats' 213. A party needs 218 votes to control the 435-member chamber. This slim margin makes passing legislation difficult. With only a two-vote advantage, Republican leaders can afford almost no disagreements within their party. The loss of any single member's vote now risks the failure of a bill. LaMalfa's office confirmed his death but did not immediately provide a cause. He was 64.