Reactions to Boehner Resignation (Video)

(Al Drago/CQ Roll Call)
(Al Drago/CQ Roll Call)
Posted September 25, 2015 at 1:33pm

Speaker John A. Boehner announced Friday he’ll resign from Congress at the end of October. Here’s a roundup of reaction from across Washington.  

“John Boehner is a good man.” — President Barack Obama “It takes profound humility to step down from a position of power, and John’s depth of character is unmatched.” — Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif.  

“It’s not about him or anyone else, and I’m not here to bash anyone, but it is time to turn the page.” — Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla. (Read more about Rubio and Sen. Ted Cruz’s statements on leadership at from the Values Voters summit. )  

“Speaker Boehner has served honorably during a difficult time for Republicans.” — Rep. Mark Meadows, R-N.C.


McConnell Praises Boehner Following Resignation Announcement

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“He’s always put the institution ahead of himself. And I think at this time it’s hard to do find people that do that, that tap down on their personal ambition.” — Rep. Mike Kelly, R-Pa.

“I think it was just a recognition that we all come to at some point in this job, that your time has come to move on and do something. He has deep faith, you know, obviously yesterday was an incredibly important date for him. I don’t know what he and the pope talked about. I don’t know if this was a message from God but I wish he’d sent a different message.” — Rep. Greg Walden, R-Ore.

“The honor of John Boehner this morning stands in sharp contrast to the self-serving idiocy of those in our party who seek to continually divide us. ” — Rep. David Jolly, R-Fla.  

“”I never expected the pope would have this much power.” — Rep. Charles B. Rangel, D-N.Y.  

“What better way to go out as speaker than in the aftermath of the visit by the pope.” — Rep. Steve Womack, R-Ark.  

“Even a very conservative speaker like John Boehner is unable to control the extreme right-wing … of Republicans in the House.” — Sen. Bernard Sanders, I-Vt.  

“This was an act of pure selflessness.” — Rep. Paul D. Ryan, R-Wis.  

“After Speaker Boehner fulfilled his dream of the pope speaking, he is just plain tired of dealing with the right wing extremists.” — Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Fla.  


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