House Speaker John Boehner Explains Decision To Resign
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- In an emotional press conference, House Speaker John Boehner discussed the reason for his resignation.
The 13-term Ohio Republican shocked his GOP caucus early Friday morning when he informed them of his decision in a closed-door session. It came one day after the high point of Boehner's congressional career, a historic speech by Pope Francis to Congress at Boehner's request.
While addressing the media, Boehner said he was stepping down mainly because of his family.
When asked by a reporter if the grace of Pope Francis helped him reach his decision, Boehner said the following:
"Yesterday was a wonderful day, it really was. I was really emotional in a moment that really no one saw. As the pope and I were ready to exit the building, we found ourselves alone. The pope grabbed my left arm and said some very kind words to me about my committment to kids and education. The pope puts his arm around me. 'Well, who am I to pray for the pope?' But I did."
Conservatives have demanded that any legislation to keep the government operating past Wednesday's midnight deadline strip Planned Parenthood of its funds, a move rejected by the more pragmatic lawmakers. The dispute had threatened Boehner's speakership and roiled the GOP caucus.
Sen. Charles Schumer issued the following statement in response to Boehner's announcement:
"Speaker John Boehner is a decent, principled conservative man who tried to do the right thing under almost impossible circumstances. He will be missed by Republicans and Democrats alike. Let us hope the Republican majority, which Speaker Boehner played a large role in creating, learns the right lesson from his resignation: to work with Democrats in a constructive way, rather than let a handful of extreme right-wingers dictate his party's policy."
Boehner took over the speakership in January 2011.
Boehner's announcement comes a day after Pope Francis made an historic address to Congress.
Boehner was moved to tears during the Pope's address.
Pope Francis is currently in New York City giving an address at the United Nations.
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