Rep. Michael Grimm’s (R-NY) decision to resign from Congress is “honorable,” House Speaker John Boehner says.
Monday the embattled New York lawmaker announced his intention to step down. He’d pleaded guilty to tax evasion earlier this month.
“Rep. Grimm made the honorable decision to step down from his seat in Congress,” Boehner said in reaction to the news Tuesday morning. “I know it was made with the best interests of his constituents and the institution in mind, and I appreciate his years of service in the House.”
According to reports, Grimm reversed his earlier contention to continue serving in Congress, despite the guilty plea, after speaking with Boehner.
“The events which led to this day did not break my spirit, nor the will of the voters,” Grimm said Monday announcing his coming departure from Congress. “However, I do not believe that I can continue to be 100% effective in the next Congress, and therefore, out of respect for the office and the people I so proudly represent, it is time for me to start the next chapter of my life.”
Democratic House Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) had also demanded that Boehner push Grimm out
“Clearly, Speaker Boehner must insist that Congressman Grimm resign immediately,” Pelosi said days before Christmas.