Rep. Don Bacon was so appalled by the Trump administration's proposed Russia-Ukraine peace plan that he considered resigning in protest, the Nebraska Republican told Axios.
Why it matters: Bacon's deliberations demonstrate just how furious pro-Ukraine lawmakers on Capitol Hill are about the proposal.
- Foreign policy hawks in both parties have balked at the 28-point plan, which was first reported by Axios.
- The plan would recognize some occupied Ukrainian regions as de facto Russian, cap the size of Ukraine's military and force the country to agree to never join NATO.
- The White House did not respond to a request for comment on this story.
What they're saying: Bacon told Axios he was "so angry" at the Trump administration's proposed 28-point Russia-Ukraine peace plan last week that he "thought about" resigning early. His anger was first reported by David Sivak of the Washington Examiner.
- The centrist foreign policy hawk, a staunch supporter of Ukraine, has already announced he plans to retire in 2027 rather than seek another term.
- He dubbed the proposal the "Witkoff Ukrainian surrender plan," referring to Trump's Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, who helped craft it.
- But "in the end I have a commitment to our constituents to fulfill my term," Bacon said, adding that he "shared my anger" with House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) but "didn't mention resignation."
Between the lines: Bacon's threat is not an idle one — his early resignation would further dwindle an already narrow House Republican majority and suddenly put his highly competitive seat in play.
- Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) rattled her party last Friday by unexpectedly announcing her plans to resign in January.
- Johnson's current majority (including Greene) is 219-213.
- Democrats are counting on a potential upset in the special election to replace former Rep. Mark Green (R-Tenn.), and two additional special elections in which they are favored, to narrow that gap even further.
Axios' Kate Santaliz contributed reporting.
Editor's note: This article has been updated to credit the Washington Examiner's reporting on Bacon's comments.
