Rep. Sam Johnson Announces Retirement

After serving in the House since 1991, Rep. Sam Johnson, R-Tex., announced he will retire at the end of next year.

"After much prayer, I have decided I will not seek re-election to serve the Third District of Texas in the U.S. House of Representatives in 2018," he wrote on his website. "This will be my final term in the appropriately named 'People's House.'

"Scripture tells us 'There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven." For me, the Lord has made clear that the season of my life in Congress is coming to an end.'"

The Hill reports his departure will open a seat on the influential House Ways and Means Committee. He presently chairs a subcommittee overseeing Social Security.

Johnson, 86, served in both the Korean and Vietnam wars. While fighting in Vietnam, he spent seven years as a prisoner of war, according to The Hill.

• Texas Republican Sam Johnson Pushes to Overhaul Social Security
• Rep. Johnson's Social Security Bill Would Cut Benefits