Another powerful Texas Republican is leaving Congress

Washington (WBAP/KLIF) – For the second time this week a powerful Texas Republican congressman has announced he is getting out. Dallas representative Jeb Hensarling announced his retirement Tuesday. He’s the chairman of the House Financial Services Committee that oversees the banking industry. This time it’s San Antonio representative Lamar Smith who has announced he will not run for re-election. Smith is the chairman of the House Science, Space and Technology Committee. He has been a member of congress for 31 years. He says the dysfunction in Washington has nothing to do with it. Smith told reporters, “the atmosphere is what you make of it.”