A devout Catholic, Mr Boehner said he decided to act following the “awesome sight” of the pope’s historic address to congress and a moving moment with the pontiff afterwards.
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U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis, a Taylorville Republican who benefited from Boehner’s support during the 2014 election, blamed a bloc of conservatives in the Congress for making the speaker’s leadership a personal crusade, rather than focusing on enacting policy and laws.
Boehner also announced plans to schedule a vote on a government funding bill that includes money for Planned Parenthood before Wednesday’s midnight deadline.
“John Boehner is a dedicated representative of the people of Ohio and a good man. I am grateful for his work and leadership in Congress. Now, our party is faced with the challenge of identifying a solid conservative who is ready to lead us in our mission to reduce the size of government and promote an economic environment where all Americans can prosper”.
Rep. Steve Scalise, R-1st District, the House GOP whip, said no one has done more than Boehner “to defend innocent human life, to combat a lawless executive branch, and to advance a conservative governing vision for our country”.
“Facing challenges that often seemed insurmountable, he has consistently acted with integrity and in the best interest of this nation”, Simpson said in a prepared statement.
Boehner’s decision to leave the House of Representatives after serving almost five years as speaker and 25 years in the chamber surprised many within his own party. It will be likely to pass with Democratic support, notwithstanding conservative complaints. Some view California Rep. Kevin McCarthy, House Majority Leader and second highest ranking member, as the natural choice as the next speaker.
“I was shocked I had no idea that announcement would come this morning at our Republican conference meeting”, Duffy said.
“I commend Speaker Boehner for leading this institution with dignity and I thank him for his service to our country”. He says the state’s lone House member, Republican Kristi Noem, could lose some of her political influence with Boehner out of the picture.
And Rep. Rob Bishop, R-Utah, said he hopes it doesn’t tarnish the Ohio Republican’s legacy as one of the most conservative speakers in the past 100 years.
Valley Congressman Tim Ryan blamed the Tea Party extremists for Boehner’s departure. Boehner is expected to resign on October 30, and there is no indication that McConnell will follow suit.
The aide said Boehner didn’t intend to serve another term in Congress – but then his No. 2, Majority Leader Eric Canter, unexpectedly lost his primary last summer, throwing the line of succession into chaos.
U.S. Rep. Chuck Fleischmann, an Ooltewah Republican, noted that Boehner helped build the largest Republican majority in the House since 1928 and has been “a great public servant throughout his tenure”.
Boehner, 65, took over the speakership in January 2011.
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However, other conservatives celebrated his resignation. He has had a distinguished career and was an integral part of the Republicans regaining the House in 2010.
