The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee responded Wednesday to reports that House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., is not running for re-election by saying he is “calling it quits” instead of standing behind the Republican’s “toxic agenda.”
“Speaker Ryan sees what is coming in November, and is calling it quits rather than standing behind a House Republican agenda to increase healthcare costs for middle class families while slashing Social Security and Medicare to pay for his handouts to the richest and largest corporations,” DCCC spokesman Tyler Law said in a statement.
Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., commended Ryan for his advocacy for the people of his district.
“Despite our differences, I commend his steadfast commitment to our country,” Pelosi said in a statement. “During his final months, Democrats are hopeful that he joins us to work constructively to advance better futures for all Americans.”
Rep. Ted Deutch, D-Fla., whose state experienced the Parkland school shooting in February that left 17 dead, used Ryan’s retirement to push for action on gun control.
“.@SpeakerRyan congrats on your retirement. Without an election coming up, you won’t need any more gun corp $$$. Are you ready to stand up to them to help keep kids safe?” Deutch tweeted. “Universal background checks are supported by 90%+ of voters. Let’s give the American people what they want.”
.@SpeakerRyan congrats on your retirement. Without an election coming up, you won’t need any more gun corp $$$. Are you ready to stand up to them to help keep kids safe?
Universal background checks are supported by 90%+ of voters. Let’s give the American people what they want.
— Rep. Ted Deutch (@RepTedDeutch) April 11, 2018
Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., had kinder words regarding news of Ryan’s impending retirement, saying that even though the two disagreed on most issues, he still finds Ryan to be “smart, thoughtful, and straightforward.”
“Speaker Ryan is a good man who is always true to his word,” Schumer said. “With his newfound political freedom, I hope the Speaker uses his remaining time in Congress to break free from the hard-right factions of his caucus that have kept Congress from getting real things done.”
“While I disagree with @SpeakerRyan on many policy issues, I have personally found him to be a good man with a kind heart,” Rep. Betty McCollum, D-Minn., posted on Twitter Wednesday. “He has led the House with dignity & honor. I wish Paul & his family all the best as he transitions to private life.”
While I disagree with @SpeakerRyan on many policy issues, I have personally found him to be a good man with a kind heart. He has led the House with dignity & honor. I wish Paul & his family all the best as he transitions to private life. https://t.co/YefjixJGom
— Rep. Betty McCollum (@BettyMcCollum04) April 11, 2018
Rep. Gerry Connolly, D-Va., said the announcement from the speaker was the first “casualty” Republicans will be experiencing in the congressional midterm elections.
“With his retirement announcement Speaker Paul Ryan becomes the first casualty of the 2018 midterm election,” Connolly said.
With his retirement announcement Speaker Paul Ryan becomes the first casualty of the 2018 midterm election.
— Gerry Connolly (@GerryConnolly) April 11, 2018
“Stay tuned for more retirements as Republicans increasingly realize that their midterm prospects are doomed,” DCCC said in their statement on Ryan’s retirement.
