Congressman Diane Black announced Wednesday morning that she will be stepping down from her position as House Budget Committee chairman, effective once her successor is chosen.
Black, who is running in the 2018 governor’s race in Tennessee, will stay in Congress, however.
“It has been an honor to serve as Chairman of the House Budget Committee, working alongside members this year to recommend responsible and balanced policies for building a better America,” she said in a statement. “I am very proud of the hard work of our members and all we accomplished, especially offering real reforms for mandatory programs and unlocking pro-growth tax reform. As we enter a new era under a brand new tax law and as members begin crafting a budget for fiscal year 2019, I am confident the focus will remain on addressing unsustainable mandatory programs.”
The Tennessee lawmaker, who said in a FoxNews.com op-ed published Wednesday that her "heart has always been at home," also stressed the importance of reining in the nation’s debt.
“Without question, it is critical that lawmakers take real action to reverse the trajectory of our nation’s growing debt,” she added. “While it requires tough decisions in the short-term, the result in the long-term will secure a bright and prosperous future for generations to come.”
Black also serves on the House Ways and Means Committee.
Republican Reps. Bill Johnson of Ohio, Steve Womack of Arkansas, and Rob Woodall of Georgia have been floated has possible lawmakers to take up Black’s position on the budget committee.