House Speaker John Boehner Announces Pending Resignation

House Speaker John Boehner has announced he will resign his Speakership and seat in Congress on October 30. The announcement came amidst congressional leaders trying to prevent a potential government shutdown on October 1 by offering short-term plans to pay for most government operations. The Speaker stated he would like to finish several items before he leaves office, including tax extenders and completing a highway bill.

“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,” said Boehner. “It is my view, however, that prolonged leadership turmoil would do irreparable damage to the institution.”