'I do not need to be involved in circuses': GOP lawmaker refuses committee assignments

Rep. Victoria Spartz (R-IN) is locking horns with her own party ahead of the new Congress.

Despite being re-elected to her Indiana district last month for a third term, Spartz said Monday she will refuse committee assignments when the House of Representatives convenes next month and will not caucus with Republicans.

“I will stay as a registered Republican but will not sit on committees or participate in the caucus until I see that Republican leadership in Congress is governing,” Spartz told her followers in a statement on X. “I do not need to be involved in circuses. I would rather spend more of my time helping @DOGE and @RepThomasMassie to save our Republic, as was mandated by the American people.”

While some Republicans were confused by Spartz’s decision on Monday, others suspected the move came in response to the House GOP Steering Committee not giving her a sought-after post on the House Ways and Means Committee, sources told Politico.

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"Some Republicans are happy about her decision to boycott the conference meetings, according to two people familiar with the situation, as some had privately complained about her speaking too much during the internal GOP meetings," the publication reported.

The Ukrainian-born businesswoman has, for months, butted heads with Republicans, and her time in Congress has been marred by turbulence. Last month, she issued an official statement titled, “GOP Will Show Courage or Go to Hell” where she slammed Republicans for what she called their lack of courage.

“The American people gave us another chance to restore our Republic, but it might be our last chance,” Spartz said in the Nov. 11 statement. “If my party betrays the American people and does not show courage to stand up to the DC 'money machine' and address the looming fiscal calamity, we will not deserve another chance.”

She has previously threatened to resign over the national debt and reportedly hurled furniture at terrified staffers.

Republicans retained control of the House in last month’s election with a razor-thin 220-215 margin.