In a bold move that could have significant implications for the balance of power in the House of Representatives, Congressman Bill Johnson of Ohio has announced his resignation effective January 21st. With this departure, the already narrow Republican majority will be even more precarious as the party's already limited votes are about to shrink yet again.
Currently, the House is composed of 219 Republicans, 213 Democrats, and three vacant seats. This delicate balance means that Republicans can ill afford to lose more than two votes on any party-line measure after January 21st. Johnson's timing is particularly interesting, as it means he will be present for the first crucial vote to keep the government open but absent for the subsequent one.
