Rep. Mark Meadows (R-NC), the lawmaker who challenged House Speaker John Boehner’s (R-OH) leadership in July, commended the now-outgoing leader for his service in the House and called for the GOP to hear the American people.
“Speaker Boehner has served honorably during a difficult time for Republicans when the threat of a veto from the White House constantly impedes our legislative agenda,” Meadows said in a statement Friday.
“At times I differed with Speaker Boehner on policy or procedural positions, but I commend him for his honorable service, his humility, his undeniable love for his country and his desire to serve this great nation,” he added.
Boehner announced his resignation to the GOP conference during a closed door meeting Friday morning. Meadows has been a thorn in leadership’s side, especially by filing a Motion to Vacate the Chair in July.
In his Friday statement, Meadows expressed optimism about the upcoming debate over new leadership and pressed for the conference to listen to their constituents.
“I look forward to an open and inclusive discussion as the House pursues new leadership,” he said. “There are critically important issues the House must address in the coming months.”
“It is of the utmost importance that our new leadership reflect the diverse makeup of the House Republican Conference and, ultimately, that the voices of the American people are heard through their elected representatives,” he concluded.
Boehner plans to vacate the speakership and his House seat at the end of October.