Speaker Boehner announces resignation; WV delegation responds

Now U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito said Friday Boehner "routinely put the institution before his own interests" during her 14 years in the House.
Now U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito said Friday Boehner “routinely put the institution before his own interests” during her 14 years in the House.

 

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. House Speaker John Boehner announced his resignation Friday less than a week before a possible showdown that could lead to another shutdown of the federal government.

“This was a big surprise this morning,” West Virginia Rep. Evan Jenkins (R-3) said. “I understand that even his leadership team was not given an advance heads up.”

Boehner, a 13-term Republican from Ohio, has been facing a fight from members of the Tea Party who don’t believe he’s fought hard enough for conservative issues.

West Virginia U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito called Boehner “a true statesman and friend” in a statement her office released.

“(Boehner) has served our country honorably and dedicated his life to public service. As a leader, Speaker Boehner routinely put the institution before his own interests. It was a privilege to serve with him during my 14 years in the House of Representatives and host him in West Virginia. I wish him the best of luck in this next chapter,” Capito said.

Boehner explained his decision in a statement.

“It is my view, however, that prolonged leadership turmoil would do irreparable damage to the institution,” Boehner wrote in his first comments since the announcement. “To that end, I will resign the Speakership and my seat in Congress on October 30.”

The most recent turmoil among House Republicans is focused on the defunding of Planned Parenthood, a fight that might lead to the shutdown of the federal government next week. Congressman Jenkins said on MetroNews ‘Talkline’ Friday he’s “gone to the mat” to defund the organization.

“The continuing resolution to keep the government going next week is still up in the air and candidly the Speaker’s announcement will probably play into that decision,” Jenkins said. “This is a personal decision and nobody pushed him out, there’s no doubt about that, this was a personal decision.”

Statement from First District Congressman David McKinley:

“John Boehner is an honorable man who has devoted his life to serving the people of Ohio and the United States. As Speaker he has been able to reduce spending for three consecutive years, enact the first major reforms to entitlement programs in more than a decade, and stop the Obama Administration from raising taxes on millions of Americans. While we did not agree on everything, John has done an admirable job in a difficult position leading a diverse majority.

“It’s fitting that his announcement comes just a day after the Pope’s historic visit to the Capitol, an accomplishment John has been working towards for 20 years. I wish John and Debbie the best and thank him for his service.”

Statement from Second District Congressman Alex Mooney”

“I thank Speaker John Boehner for his service to our country. I respect Speaker Boehner and wish him the best as he enters the next phase of his blessed life. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives to select a Speaker who will fight for the coal industry, the unborn, our Second Amendment rights, and for a stronger economy.”





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