House Speaker John Boehner Announces His Resignation from Congress Effective...

Aimee Herd : Sep 25, 2015
Speaker.gov

"It was my plan to only serve as Speaker until the end of last year, but I stayed on to provide continuity to the Republican Conference and the House. It is my view, however, that prolonged leadership turmoil would do irreparable damage to the institution. To that end, I will resign the Speakership and my seat in Congress on October 30."

(Washington, DC)—On Friday, September 25th, House Speaker John Boehner shocked many by announcing his resignation to be effective at the end of October. (Photo: Flickr/via Speaker.gov)

The Ohio representative is known for his emotive presence, which was very evident this week, when the pope visited the U.S. Capitol and gave an address to the joint assembly of Congress. It was reportedly something Speaker Boehner, Catholic himself, had desired for quite some time.

Below is a statement he issued following the news of his resignation:

"My mission every day is to fight for a smaller, less costly, and more accountable government. Over the last five years, our majority has advanced conservative reforms that will help our children and their children. I am proud of what we have accomplished.

"The first job of any Speaker is to protect this institution that we all love. It was my plan to only serve as Speaker until the end of last year, but I stayed on to provide continuity to the Republican Conference and the House. It is my view, however, that prolonged leadership turmoil would do irreparable damage to the institution. To that end, I will resign the Speakership and my seat in Congress on October 30.

"Today, my heart is full with gratitude for my family, my colleagues, and the people of Ohio's Eighth District. God bless this great country that has given me—the son of a bar owner from Cincinnati—the chance to serve."