Skip to content

Rep. Chaka Fattah Submits Resignation

Pennsylvania congressman was convicted of corruption, sought to stay in office until October

Rep. Chaka Fattah, D-Pa., was convicted of corruption this week in Philadelphia. (Photo By Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call)
Rep. Chaka Fattah, D-Pa., was convicted of corruption this week in Philadelphia. (Photo By Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call)

Rep. Chaka Fattah submitted his resignation following his conviction on corruption charges, but asked to stay until October when he is scheduled to be sentenced.  

But House Speaker Paul D. Ryan said that the Pennsylvania Democrat should resign immediately.  

Fattah, 59, was convicted Tuesday  in Philadelphia after a four-week trial.  

Prosecutors alleged  he took bribes and stole charitable donations and campaign contributions as well as misused federal grant money under his control.    

The case largely centered around a $1 million campaign loan during an unsuccessful mayoral bid in 2007.  

Fattah became the first incumbent to lose his primary in April.   

It’s unclear whether the House would move to expel Fattah, if he doesn’t leave on his own accord.  

On a side note, Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy’s office inadvertently issued a statement early Thursday saying the House had voted to kick Fattah out of the House. No such action took place before the chamber adjourned. His office blamed it on a software glitch.  

 
Get breaking news alerts and more from Roll Call on your iPhone or your Android.

Recent Stories

Gaetz plans move to oust McCarthy, says GOP needs new leader

McCarthy promises ‘punishment’ over Bowman fire alarm before vote

Shutdown averted as Biden signs seven-week spending bill

Stopgap funding bills hung up in both chambers

Who are the House Republicans who opposed the stopgap budget bill?

Taking it to the limit — Congressional Hits and Misses