[Deschler-Brown Precedents, Volume 17, Chapters 34 - 40]
[Ch. 37. Resignations]
[B. Resignation of a Member From the House]
[Â§ 4. Reason for Resignation; Inclusion in Letter of Resignation]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]


[Page 373-401]
 
                               CHAPTER 37
 
                              Resignations
 
               B. Resignation of a Member From the House
 
Sec. 4. Reason for Resignation; Inclusion in Letter of Resignation

    When a Member resigns as a Representative, the basis of, or reasons 
for, the Member's resignation may or may not be included in the 
Member's letter of resignation. In recent years, the general practice 
has been for a Member resigning from the House to include in the 
Member's letter of resignation the reasons for the Member's termination 
of service in the House.
    Among the reasons for which Members have resigned have been to 
serve in the Armed Forces,(1) to accept an appointment as a 
cabinet secretary or in another Executive branch 
position,(2) to assume office as a Member of the 
Senate,(3) to accept an appointment as a member of the 
United States delegation to the United Nations,(4) or as an 
ambassador to another nation,(5) to assume office as a State 
Governor or city Mayor,(6) to accept an appointment as a 
Federal(7) or State(8) judge, to create a vacancy 
and run for the vacant seat, in the case of a change in party 
affiliation (9) or a contested election,(10) to 
serve a jail sentence on conviction of a crime,(11) and, in 
the case of a Senator, to create a vacancy to be filled by appointment 
by a State Governor.(12)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 1. See Sec. 4.1, infra.
 2. See Sec. 4.2, infra.
 3. See Sec. Sec. 4.3, 4.4, infra.
 4. See Sec. 4.5, infra.
 5. See Sec. 4.6, infra.
 6. See Sec. 4.7, infra.
 7. See Sec. 4.8, infra.
 8. See Sec. 4.9, infra.
 9. See Sec. 4.10, infra.
10. See Sec. 4.11, infra.
11. See Sec. 4.12, infra.
12. See Sec. Sec. 4.13, 4.14, 
        infra.                          -------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Service in the Armed Forces

Sec. 4.1 A Member resigned, stating in his letter to the Speaker his 
    intention to serve in the Armed Forces.

    On Nov. 14, 1944,(1) Speaker Sam Rayburn, of Texas, laid 
before the House a letter from a Member stating that he had submitted 
to the Governor of his State his resignation as a Member of the House 
and that the reason for the resignation was to serve in the Armed 
Forces.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 1. 90 Cong. Rec. 8163, 78th Cong. 2d Sess.
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                                                 October 19, 1944.


[[Page 374]]


                                                   Hon. Sam Rayburn,

                                               Speaker of the House,

                                      Congress of the United States,

                                                   Washington, D. C.

        My Dear Mr. Speaker: Effective this date, I have submitted to 
    the Honorable Spessard L. Holland, Governor of Florida, my 
    resignation as a Member of the Seventy-eighth Congress from the 
    Third District of Florida.
        I take this step in order to serve in the armed forces of my 
    country.
        With personal regards, and with genuine appreciation for the 
    uniform cooperation and splendid leadership which you have given 
    me, I am,

              Sincerely,

                                                        Bob Sikes.

Service in the Executive Branch

Sec. 4.2 Members have resigned their seats in the House to serve in 
    Executive branch positions.

    On Sept. 2, 2005,(1) the Speaker pro 
tempore(2) laid before the House a letter from a Member 
advising of his resignation. The letter was accompanied by a copy of 
the actual letter of resignation that the Member submitted to the State 
official concerned. The proceedings were as follows:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 1. 151 Cong. Rec. 19424, 109th Cong. 1st Sess.
 2. Tom DeLay (TX).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

                 RESIGNATION FROM THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

        The SPEAKER pro tempore laid before the House the following 
    resignation from the House of Representatives:

                                    Congress of the United States,
                                         House of Representatives,
                                    Washington, DC, July 29, 2005.

                                             Hon. J. Dennis Hastert,
                                               Speaker of the House,
                                        The Capitol, Washington, DC.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: Today, the U.S. Senate voted to confirm me 
    for the position of Chairman of the Securities and Exchange 
    Commission. As a result, I must submit to you herewith my 
    resignation as a Member of the U.S. House of Representatives, 
    effective as of 6 p.m. pdt on Tuesday, August 2, 2005. I have also 
    written to Governor Schwarzenegger to advise him of my resignation.
        Mr. Speaker, even more significant than the privilege of 
    serving for 17 years in the House of Representatives has been the 
    opportunity to serve with you in the elected Majority Leadership 
    for the last 10 years. Thank you, again, for your friendship, your 
    courage under fire, your wisdom, and your sterling example over so 
    many years.
        I very much look forward to continuing to work with you and 
    serving the Nation in my new position.

            Sincerely,
                                                  Christopher Cox,
                                              U.S. Representative.



                                      Congress of the United States,
                                           House of Representatives,
                                      Washington, DC, July 29, 2005.

                                       Hon. Arnold Schwarzenegger,
Governor, State of California, State Capitol Building, Sacramento, 
                                                               CA.

        Dear Governor Schwarzenegger: Today, I have been confirmed by 
    the U.S. Senate for the position of Chairman of the Securities and 
    Exchange Commission.

[[Page 375]]

        Accordingly, I am writing to inform you that, effective as of 6 
    p.m. pdt on Tuesday, August 2, 2005, I will resign my seat as the 
    Representative of the 48th District of California in the U.S. House 
    of Representatives. I have also written to House Speaker Hastert to 
    inform him of the timing of my resignation.
        For the past 17 years, I have had the great privilege and honor 
    of representing the people of Orange County, California in the 
    House of Representatives. My service in the Congress has been a 
    truly rewarding experience, and I am grateful to Orange County's 
    citizens for putting their trust and faith in me. As a member of 
    the elected Majority Leadership and Chairman of three House 
    committees, I have been especially privileged to have had the 
    opportunity to work closely with you and our other elected 
    California leaders on so many shared priorities.
        Thank you, again, for your friendship and support. I look 
    forward to continuing to work with you, and to serve California and 
    the Nation in my new position.

            Sincerely,
                                                  Christopher Cox,
                                              U.S. Representative.

    On May 2, 2005,(3) the Speaker pro tempore(4) 
laid before the House a letter of resignation from a Member, 
accompanied by a copy of the letter of resignation that the Member 
submitted to the State official concerned:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 3. 151 Cong. Rec. 8388, 109th Cong. 1st Sess.
 4. Tim Murphy (PA).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

                 RESIGNATION FROM THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

        The SPEAKER pro tempore laid before the House the following 
    resignation from the House of Representatives:(5)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 5. Parliamentarian's Note: Representative Portman resigned to become 
        the United States Trade Representative.

                                    Congress of the United States,
                                     Washington, DC, April 29, 2005.

                                             Hon. J. Dennis Hastert,
        Speaker, House of Representatives, The Capitol, Washington, 
                                                                 DC.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: I have been nominated by President Bush and 
    confirmed by the United States Senate for the position of United 
    States Trade Representative. Therefore, I have submitted my 
    resignation as a Member of the U.S. House of Representatives, 
    effective 12 noon, April 29, 2005. I am forwarding to you a copy of 
    my letter of resignation to Ohio Governor Bob Taft.
        Mr. Speaker, it has been a high honor to represent the Second 
    Congressional District of Ohio for the past twelve years, and to 
    serve with the distinguished men and women of the House of 
    Representatives. I look forward to working with the Members of the 
    House and serving the Nation in my new position.

            Sincerely,
                                                      Rob Portman,
                                                   Representative.



                                    Congress of the United States,
                                   Washington, DC, April 29, 2005.

                                                   Hon. Robert Taft,
                                            Governor, State of Ohio,
                                                     Columbus, Ohio.

        Dear Governor Taft: I have been nominated by President Bush and 
    confirmed by the United States Senate for the position of United 
    States Trade

[[Page 376]]

    Representative. Therefore, I hereby resign as a Member of the U.S. 
    House of Representatives, effective 12 noon, April 29, 2005.
        It has been a honor to represent the Second Congressional 
    District of Ohio for the past twelve years, and an honor to work 
    with you and the Ohio delegation. I look forward to working with 
    you and serving Ohio and the Nation in my new position.

            Sincerely,
                                                      Rob Portman,
                                                   Representative.

    On Sept. 5, 2001,(6) the Speaker laid before the House a 
communication from a Member resigning his seat in the House effective 
Aug. 6, 2001, to become the Administrator of the Drug Enforcement 
Agency.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 6. 147 Cong. Rec. 16381, 107th Cong. 1st Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

      
                                          House of Representatives

                                   Washington, DC, August 3, 2001.

                                          Speaker J. Dennis Hastert,

                                  The U.S. House of Representatives,

                                        The Capitol, Washington, DC.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: As a result of my nomination by President 
    George W. Bush and my subsequent confirmation by the U.S. Senate to 
    serve as Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration, I 
    hereby resign from the U.S. House of Representatives. This 
    resignation is to be effective at 2400 hours on Monday, August 6, 
    2001.
        Enclosed you will find a copy of my letter to Governor Mike 
    Huckabee of Arkansas stating the same.

              Sincerely,

                                                   Asa Hutchinson.



                                          House of Representatives

                                   Washington, DC, August 3, 2001.

                                             Governor Mike Huckabee,

                                             State Capitol Building,

                                                    Little Rock, AR.

        Dear Governor Huckabee: Please accept this letter as notice 
    that my resignation from the U.S. House of Representatives shall be 
    effective at the 2400 hours on Monday, August 6, 2001.

              Sincerely,

                                                   Asa Hutchinson.

    On Jan. 25, 1993,(7) the Speaker laid before the House a 
communication from a Member resigning his seat in the House to become 
the Secretary of Agriculture.

 7. 139 Cong. Rec. 1092, 103d Cong. 1st Sess.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                 January 22, 1993.

                                                  Hon. Thomas Foley,

                                  Speaker, House of Representatives,
                                                     Washington, DC.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: It has been a pleasure and honor for me to 
    serve in the U.S. House of Representatives. As you know, I have 
    resigned today to serve in the President's Cabinet as Secretary of 
    Agriculture. I hope to continue to work with you in my new position 
    and I thank you for your leadership through the years.
        Please find enclosed my resignation letter to Mississippi 
    Governor Kirk Fordice. As I have written to Governor Fordice, I 
    have accepted my new position with enthusiasm but also with a

[[Page 377]]

    sense of tremendous gratitude and humility for the trust and 
    confidence that the voters of my district have placed in me over 
    the years. In the many votes I have cast and the many actions I 
    have taken on their behalf, I have always tried to reflect credit 
    on the 2nd Congressional District and on the great State of 
    Mississippi.
        It has been the ultimate honor for me to be a part of our 
    country's history by serving in the U.S. House of Representatives. 
    I look forward to continuing to serve my country in my new position 
    and working with you and my former colleagues in Congress.

              Sincerely,

                                                        Mike Espy,

                                         Secretary of Agriculture.



                                          House of Representatives

                                 Washington, DC, January 21, 1993.

                                                  Hon. Kirk Fordice,

                Governor of Mississippi, State Capitol, Jackson, MS.

        Dear Governor Fordice: For the past six years, I have had the 
    privilege of representing the people of the 2nd Congressional 
    District in the Congress of the United States. In the many votes I 
    have cast and the many actions I have taken on their behalf, I have 
    always tried to reflect credit on the 2nd Congressional District 
    and on our great State of Mississippi.
        As you are aware, I recently have been nominated by the 
    President of the United States and confirmed by the United States 
    Senate to serve in the President's Cabinet as Secretary of 
    Agriculture. As such, I am requesting and do hereby submit my 
    resignation as United States Congressman effective upon my taking 
    the oath of office on Friday, January 22, 1993, at approximately 10 
    a.m. EST.
        Although I have accepted the new position with enthusiasm, I 
    leave my House seat with a sense of tremendous gratitude and 
    humility for the trust and confidence that the voters of my 
    district have placed in me over the years.
        I assure you and the citizens of Mississippi that I will 
    continue to be an advocate and strong ally for all legitimate needs 
    of the people of Mississippi.

              Sincerely,

                                                        Mike Espy,

                                               Member of Congress,

                               Secretary of Agriculture-Designate.

    Also on that date,(8) the Speaker laid before the House 
a communication from a Member resigning his seat in the House to become 
the Director of the Office of Management and Budget.

 8. Id.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                         House of Representatives,

                                 Washington, DC, January 21, 1993.

                                               Hon. Thomas S. Foley,

              The Speaker, House of Representatives, Washington, DC.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: Attached is the letter I have sent to the 
    Governor of California notifying him of my resignation from the 
    U.S. House of Representatives effective 6 p.m. today.

              Sincerely,

                                                  Leon E. Panetta,

                                               Member of Congress.



                                         House of Representatives,

                                 Washington, DC, January 21, 1993.


[[Page 378]]


                                                   Gov. Pete Wilson,

                                      State Capitol, Sacramento, CA.

        Dear Governor: Having been nominated by the President, and 
    confirmed by the Senate, as the Director of the Office of 
    Management and Budget, I resign as U.S. Representative of the 17th 
    Congressional District of California effective 6:00 p.m. today.

              Sincerely,

                                                  Leon E. Panetta,

                                               Member of Congress.

    On Jan. 21, 1993,(9) the Speaker laid before the House a 
communication from a Member resigning his seat in the House to become 
the Secretary of Defense.

 9. 139 Cong. Rec. 423, 103d Cong. 1st Sess.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                          House of Representatives

                                 Washington, DC, January 20, 1993.

                                               Hon. Thomas S. Foley,

                  Speaker, House of Representatives, Washington, DC.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: For the past 22 years I have had the great 
    honor and privilege of serving the people of Wisconsin as a Member 
    of the U.S. House of Representatives.
        On December 22, 1992, President-elect Clinton asked me to 
    become his nominee as Secretary of Defense. Since the Senate has 
    now confirmed my nomination I will be assuming office later today.
        Accordingly, I hereby notify you that I have resigned as a 
    Member of the House of Representatives from the State of Wisconsin 
    to assume the office of Secretary of Defense. Enclosed is a copy of 
    my letter of resignation to Governor Tommy G. Thompson.
        I shall always be grateful for the opportunity to serve with 
    you and my colleagues in the House. I look forward to working with 
    you in my new position as Secretary of Defense.

              Sincerely,

                                                        Les Aspin.

    On Jan. 24, 1977,(10) the Speaker laid before the House 
a communication from a Member resigning his seat in the House to become 
the Secretary of Agriculture.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
10. 123 Cong. Rec. 1907, 95th Cong. 1st Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

      
                                                 Washington, D.C.,

                                                 January 19, 1977.


                                        Hon. Thomas P. O'Neill, Jr.,

                                               Speaker of the House,

                                           House of Representatives.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: This is to inform you that I have today 
    submitted my letter of resignation as Congressman from the 7th 
    District, State of Minnesota, effective Saturday midnight, January 
    22, 1977, to the Honorable Rudy Perpich, Governor of the State of 
    Minnesota. A copy of this letter is enclosed.
        Thank you.

              Sincerely,

                                                      Bob Bergland



                                                 Washington, D.C.,

                                                 January 19, 1977.

                                                  Hon. Rudy Perpich,

                        The Governor, State Capitol, St. Paul, Minn.


[[Page 379]]



        Dear Governor Perpich: I hereby resign as Congressman from the 
    7th District, State of Minnesota, effective Saturday midnight, 
    January 22, 1977.
        I am sure you know what a privilege and a pleasure it has been 
    for me to serve the State of Minnesota in my several terms in 
    Congress. It is only because of the opportunity to serve directly 
    in the Cabinet of President Carter, that my resignation occurs.
        Thank you.

              Yours truly,

                                                     Bob Bergland.

    On that same day,(11) the Speaker laid before the House 
a communication from a Member resigning his seat in the House to become 
the Secretary of Transportation.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
11. Id.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                 Washington, D.C.,

                                                 January 17, 1977.

                                        Hon. Thomas P. O'Neill, Jr.,

                 Speaker, House of Representatives, Washington, D.C.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: I hereby inform you that I have transmitted 
    to the Governor of the State of Washington my resignation as a 
    Representative in the Congress of the United States from the 
    Seventh District of Washington, and am by this letter confirming to 
    you my resignation as a Member of Congress from the State of 
    Washington.
        The years I have spent in the House of Representatives will 
    always remain in my memory as some of the happiest of my life. As I 
    leave, I want to extend to you and my colleagues in the House every 
    good wish for the future.
        I look forward to working with you as the 95th Congress begins.

              Very truly yours,

                                                      Brock Adams,

                                               Member of Congress.



                                                 Washington, D.C.,

                                                 January 17, 1977.

                                                  Hon. Dixy Lee Ray,

                       Governor, State of Washington, Olympia, Wash.

        Dear Governor Ray: I hereby resign my office as Representative 
    in the Congress of the United States from the Seventh District of 
    Washington, said resignation to take effect on January 22, 1977.

              Very truly yours,

                                                      Brock Adams,

                                               Member of Congress.

Service in the Senate

Sec. 4.3 Having been elected to the Senate, a Member of the House 
    advised the Speaker that he had tendered his resignation from the 
    House to the Governor of his State.

    On Jan. 7, 1997,(1) the Speaker laid before the House a 
communication from a Member resigning his seat in the House effective 
Nov. 27, 1996, to assume the Senate seat to which he had been elected.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 1. 143 Cong. Rec. 188, 105th Cong. 1st Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

      
                                    Congress of the United States,

                                         House of Representatives,

                                Washington, DC, November 26, 1996.


[[Page 380]]


                                                 Hon. Newt Gingrich,

                            Speaker of the House of Representatives,

                                        The Capitol, Washington, DC.

        Dear Newt: Attached please find a copy of the letter I have 
    sent to Kansas Governor Bill Graves informing him that I am 
    resigning from the House of Representatives effective at 12:00 p.m. 
    central time on Wednesday, November 27th, 1996.
        It has been an honor and a privilege to serve with you in the 
    House of Representatives. We enacted reforms during the 104th 
    Congress that has moved this country in the right direction. I look 
    forward to continuing to work with you to balance the federal 
    budget, reduce the size, scope, and intrusiveness of the federal 
    government, and restore the American Dream.

              Sincerely,

                                                    Sam Brownback,

                                               Member of Congress.



                                    Congress of the United States,

                                         House of Representatives,

                                Washington, DC, November 25, 1996.

                                                   Gov. Bill Graves,

                                          State Capitol, Topeka, KS.

        Dear Governor Graves: For the past two years, it has been my 
    privilege to serve the people of Kansas' Second District as their 
    elected Representative in the U.S. Congress. It has been an 
    eventful tenure.
        These are remarkable times, and public servants have a 
    tremendous opportunity and responsibility for making America a 
    better place.
        There is much work to be done, and the people rightly expect 
    that we will begin it in earnest. Toward that end, I am scheduled 
    to be sworn in as a U.S. Senator for Kansas at 2:00 p.m. central 
    time, Wednesday, November 27, 1996. Accordingly, I am resigning my 
    seat in the U.S. House of Representatives effective at 12:00 p.m. 
    central time, Wednesday, November 27, 1996.
        The work of renewing America is unfinished. I see cause for 
    great hope as I believe we are now clearly focused on those very 
    problems which most confound us. There has never been a challenge 
    which the American nation recognized clearly and approached 
    resolutely which we did not overcome. We have cause for great 
    Thanksgiving.

              Sincerely,

                                                    Sam Brownback.

    On Feb. 6, 1996,(2) the Speaker laid before the House a 
communication from a Member resigning his seat in the House effective 
Feb. 5, 1996, to assume the Senate seat to which he had been elected.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 2. 142 Cong. Rec. 2336, 2337, 104th Cong. 2d Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

      
                                         House of Representatives,

                                 Washington, DC, February 4, 1996.

                                                Hon. John Kitzhaber,

                                                 Governor of Oregon,

                                                          Salem, OR.

        Dear Governor Kitzhaber: On January 30, 1966, the citizens of 
    Oregon elected me to the U.S. Senate to fill the unexpired term of 
    former Senator Bob Packwood. I am deeply honored to have the 
    opportunity to serve our State in the U.S. Senate, and plan

[[Page 381]]

    to begin performing those duties on February 5, 1996.
        It is my understanding that Oregon's Secretary of State has 
    certified the election and has already transmitted the original 
    documentation of my election to the Secretary of the U.S. Senate.
        Based on this understanding, I will resign my House seat 
    representing Oregon's Third Congressional District effective at 
    8:00 a.m. (E.S.T.), February 5, 1996.
        It is with great anticipation that I look forward to working 
    with you in the days to come on a range of issues affecting our 
    state.

              Sincerely,

                                                        Ron Wyden.

    On Nov. 29, 1994,(3) the Speaker laid before the House a 
communication from a Member resigning his seat in the House effective 
Nov. 15, 1994, to assume the Senate seat to which he had been elected.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 3. 140 Cong. Rec. 29585, 103d Cong. 2d Sess.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                         House of Representatives,

                                Washington, DC, November 15, 1994.

                                                     Hon. Tom Foley,

        Speaker of the House, House of Representatives, Washington, 
                                                                D.C.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: Attached is the letter I have sent to the 
    Honorable David L. Walters, Governor of the State of Oklahoma, 
    notifying him of my resignation from the House of Representatives 
    effective today, November 15, 1994 at twelve midnight.

              Sincerely,

                                                  James M. Inhofe,

                                               Member of Congress.

        Enclosure: letter.


                                         House of Representatives,

                                Washington, DC, November 15, 1994.

                                                 Hon. David Walters,

                                        Governor, State of Oklahoma,

                                                  Oklahoma City, OK.

        Dear Governor Walters: Pursuant to the November 8, 1994 special 
    election, at which time I was elected to serve the vacancy in the 
    United States Senate created by the resignation of Senator David L. 
    Boren, I hereby submit to you my letter of resignation effective 
    twelve midnight, today, November 15, 1994.

              Sincerely,

                                                  James M. Inhofe,

                                               Member of Congress.

    On Jan. 3, 1989,(4) the Clerk(5) laid before 
the House a communication from a Member-elect resigning his seat in the 
House effective immediately after the commencement of the 101st 
Congress in order to assume the Senate seat to which he had been 
appointed.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 4. 135 Cong. Rec. 67, 101st Cong. 1st Sess.
 5. Donnald K. Anderson (CA).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

      
                                         House of Representatives,

                                Washington, DC, December 29, 1988.

                                                    Hon. Jim Wright,

                                               Speaker of the House,

                                                     Washington, DC.


[[Page 382]]



        Dear Mr. Speaker: Enclosed for your information and review is 
    my official letter of resignation which will become effective 
    January 3, 1989.
        I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your 
    cooperation while I have represented the citizens of the Fourth 
    Congressional District of Indiana for the past eight years. 
    Although I will miss working with you in the House, I look forward 
    to continue working together as a Member of the Senate.

              Sincerely,

                                                        Dan Coats,

                                               Member of Congress.



                                         House of Representatives,

                                Washington, DC, December 27, 1988.

                                                 Hon. Robert D. Orr,

        Governor, Office of the Governor, State House, Indianapolis, 
                                                                 IN.

        Dear Governor Orr: For the past eight years, I have had the 
    very distinct pleasure of representing the citizens of the Fourth 
    Congressional District of Indiana in the United States House of 
    Representatives. I was honored by my election to a fifth term in 
    the House, and I could think of few things which would keep me from 
    serving in my elected position.
        However, your decision to offer me the chance to serve the 
    entire State of Indiana as its Senator-designate requires me to 
    submit to you my resignation from the House of Representatives. 
    This extraordinary opportunity is one that will allow me to 
    continue serving the people of the Fourth Congressional District as 
    well as the rest of the state.
        Therefore, I hereby ask you to accept my resignation as the 
    Representative for the Fourth District of Indiana, effective 
    January 3, 1989, so I may accept the appointment as Indiana's 
    newest Senator.

              Sincerely,

                                                        Dan Coats,

                                               Member of Congress.



                                         House of Representatives,

                                Washington, DC, December 30, 1988.

                                           Hon. Donnald K. Anderson,

                                    Clerk, House of Representatives,

                                   Capitol Building, Washington, DC.

        Dear Sir: Please find enclosed a copy of the resignation letter 
    dated December 22, 1988, that I have submitted to Indiana Governor 
    Robert Orr.
        The enclosed letter to Governor Orr should be understood to 
    mean that I am resigning from the House of Representatives as a 
    Member of the 101st Congress immediately after 12:00 noon on 
    January 3, 1989, so I may be sworn in as a Senator representing the 
    State of Indiana on the aforementioned date.

              Sincerely,

                                                        Dan Coats,

                                               Member of Congress.

    Parliamentarian's Note: Mr. Coats was elected in November 1988 as a 
Representative in the 101st Congress, commencing Jan. 3, 1989. He took 
the oath of office but never served, his resignation being effective 
immediately thereafter. He was sworn later that day as a Senator to 
fill the vacancy resulting from the resignation from the Senate of J. 
Danforth Quayle, effective Jan. 3, 1989, in anticipation of being sworn 
as Vice President on Jan. 20, 1989.

[[Page 383]]

    On Jan. 4, 1965,(6) the Speaker laid before the House 
the following communications:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 6. 111 Cong. Rec. 25, 89th Cong. 1st Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

      
                                                 Nashville, Tenn.,

                                                 November 4, 1964.

                                                Hon. John McCormack,

                         The Speaker, U.S. House of Representatives,

                                                   Washington, D.C.:

        This is to advise that I have submitted my resignation as a 
    Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from the Sixth 
    Congressional District of Tennessee to the Honorable Frank Clement, 
    Governor of Tennessee. This resignation was necessary in order to 
    assume my duties of a Member of the U.S. Senate from Tennessee to 
    which office I have been duly elected. Said resignation is 
    effective at the close of business November 3, 1964.

                                                        Ross Bass.



                                                 Nashville, Tenn.,

                                                 November 4, 1964.

                                             Hon. John W. McCormack,

                              The Speaker, House of Representatives,

                                                   Washington, D.C.:

        This is to advise that I have received the resignation of the 
    Honorable Ross Bass as a Member of the House of Representatives of 
    the Sixth Congressional District of Tennessee, effective at the 
    close of business November 3, 1964.
                                                 Frank G. Clement,

                                            Governor of Tennessee.



                                    Congress of the United States,

                                         House of Representatives,

                                                 Washington, D.C.,

                                                 November 4, 1964.

                                             Hon. John W. McCormack,

                                               Speaker of the House,

                                           House of Representatives,

                                                   Washington, D.C.:

        My Dear Mr. Speaker: I have today submitted my resignation as 
    U.S. Representative to the Governor, Jack M. Campbell, of New 
    Mexico, as follows:
        ``I wish to submit to you my resignation as U.S. Representative 
    in the Congress from the State of New Mexico, effective midnight, 
    November 3, 1964.
        ``This is done in view of my election to the U.S. Senate and 
    for the purpose of securing seniority privileges in the Senate 
    which is of paramount importance to our State.''

              Sincerely,

                                                Joseph M. Montoya,

                                                      U.S. Senator

Sec. 4.4 A Member resigned from the House to accept an interim 
    appointment as a Member of the Senate.

    On Jan. 31, 2006,(1) the Speaker(2) laid 
before the House a letter from a Member advising of his resignation, 
accompanied by a copy of the actual letter of resignation that the 
Member submitted to the State official concerned. The proceedings were 
as follows:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 1. 152 Cong. Rec. 400, 109th Cong. 2d Sess.
 2. J. Dennis Hastert (IL).

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 384]]

                 RESIGNATION FROM THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

        The SPEAKER laid before the House the following resignation 
    from the House of Representatives:

                                    Congress of the United States,
                                         House of Representatives,
                                 Washington, DC, January 16, 2006.
                                             Hon. J. Dennis Hastert,
                                  Speaker, House of Representatives,
                                                     Washington, DC.

        Mr. Speaker:  For the past thirteen years I have had the great 
    honor and privilege of serving the people of New Jersey as a Member 
    of the United States House of Representatives.
        As Governor Jon S. Corzine of New Jersey has told me his 
    intention to appoint me to fulfill the remainder of his term in the 
    United States Senate upon his inauguration as Governor, I submit my 
    resignation as a Member from the House of Representatives, 
    effective close of business on Monday, January 16, 2006.
        I accept my new position with enthusiasm but also a sense of 
    gratitude for the trust and confidence the voters of the Thirteenth 
    Congressional District have placed in me over the years. I have 
    always tried to reflect credit on the District, the great state of 
    New Jersey, and this body. It has been a distinct pleasure to work 
    and serve with many good friends and colleagues in the House of 
    Representatives.
        I look forward to continuing my service to the people of the 
    State of New Jersey through my service as a Member of the United 
    States Senate.

            Sincerely,
                                                  Robert Menendez,
  Member of Congress.                          -------------------

                          ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER

        The SPEAKER. Under clause 5(d) of rule XX,(3) the 
    Chair announces to the House that, in light of the resignation of 
    the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Menendez), the whole number of 
    the House is adjusted to 433.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 3. House Rules and Manual Sec. 1024b (2007).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    On May 16, 1966,(4) the Speaker laid before the House 
the communication below from Mr. Robert P. Griffin, of Michigan. Mr. 
Griffin had resigned from the House to accept an appointment to the 
Senate to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Senator Patrick V. 
McNamara.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 4. 112 Cong. Rec. 10526, 89th Cong. 2d Sess.

                                    Congress of the United States,
                                         House of Representatives,
                                   Washington, D.C., May 11, 1966.

                                             Hon. John W. McCormack,

                            Speaker of the House of Representatives,

                                                    Washington, D.C.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: I have the duty to inform you that I have 
    transmitted to the Honorable George Romney, Governor of Michigan, 
    my resignation as a Representative in the Congress of the United 
    States from the Ninth District of Michigan, effective at the close 
    of business, May 10, 1966.
        I leave the House of Representatives to assume the office of 
    U.S. Senator from Michigan.
        With kind personal regards, I am

[[Page 385]]

              Sincerely yours,

                                                Robert P. Griffin.



                                    Congress of the United States,

                                         House of Representatives,

                                   Washington, D.C., May 11, 1966.

                                                 Hon. George Romney,

                                               Governor of Michigan,

                                                      Lansing, Mich.

        Dear Governor Romney: I hereby resign my office as 
    Representative in the Congress of the United States from the Ninth 
    District of Michigan, effective at the close of business, May 10, 
    1966.
        With kind personal regards, I am

              Sincerely yours,

                                                Robert P. Griffin.

Appointment in the United States Diplomatic Service

Sec. 4.5 A Member resigned from the House to accept an appointment as a 
    member of the United States delegation to the United Nations.

    On Sept. 9, 2002,(1) the Speaker laid before the House a 
communication from a Member resigning his seat in the House to become 
the United States Representative to the United Nations Agencies for 
Food and Agriculture.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 1. 148 Cong. Rec. 16339, 107th Cong. 2d Sess.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                         House of Representatives,

                                Washington, DC, September 5, 2002.

                                             Hon. J. Dennis Hastert,

                                               Speaker of the House,

                                                     Washington, DC.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: I have been nominated by President Bush and 
    confirmed by the Senate to serve as United States Representative to 
    the United Nations Agencies for Food and Agriculture, with the rank 
    of Ambassador. Therefore, I have submitted my resignation as Member 
    of the House of Representatives, effective close of business, 
    September 9, 2002. I am forwarding to you a copy of my letter of 
    resignation to Ohio Governor Bob Taft.
        I am grateful for the opportunity to serve with the 
    distinguished men and women of the House of Representatives for the 
    past twenty-four years. I look forward to working with the Members 
    of the House as I continue service to the Nation in my new 
    position.

              Sincerely,

                                                     Tony P. Hall,

                                               Member of Congress.

    On Feb. 13, 1997,(2) Speaker pro tempore Jack Kingston, 
of Georgia, laid before the House a communication from a Member 
resigning his seat in the House to become the United States Ambassador 
to the United Nations.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 2. 143 Cong. Rec. 2162, 2163, 105th Cong. 1st Sess.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                    Congress of the United States,

                                         House of Representatives,

                                Washington, DC, February 13, 1997.

                                                 Hon. Newt Gingrich,

                                            Capitol, Washington, DC.

        Dear Speaker Gingrich: I hereby resign my congressional seat 
    effective

[[Page 386]]

    immediately so that I can assume my post in the President's Cabinet 
    as Ambassador to the United Nations.
        It has been an honor to serve in the United States Congress as 
    New Mexico's third district representative for the past 14 years. I 
    have been especially proud to represent the people of New Mexico 
    whose kindnesses towards me and my family have been equaled only by 
    the unmatched beauty of the state itself.

              Sincerely,

                                                  Bill Richardson,

                                               Member of Congress.



                                    Congress of the United States,

                                         House of Representatives,

                                Washington, DC, February 13, 1997.

                                            Hon. Stephanie Gonzales,

                    Secretary of State, State Capitol, Santa Fe, NM.

        Dear Stephanie: I hereby resign my congressional seat effective 
    immediately so that I can assume my post in the President's Cabinet 
    as Ambassador to the United Nations.
        It has been an honor to serve in the United States Congress as 
    New Mexico's third district representative for the past 14 years. I 
    have been especially proud to represent the people of New Mexico 
    whose kindnesses towards me and my family have been equaled only by 
    the unmatched beauty of the state itself.

              Sincerely,

                                                  Bill Richardson,

                                               Member of Congress.

    On Sept. 28, 1965,(3) the Speaker laid before the House 
a letter of resignation from a Member resigning from the House to 
accept an appointment as a member of the United States Delegation to 
the United Nations.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 3. 111 Cong. Rec. 25342, 89th Cong. 1st Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The following communication was read:

                                    Congress of the United States,
                                         House of Representatives,
                             Washington, D.C., September 28, 1965.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: It is with a considerable degree of sadness 
    that I take this official means of resigning as a Member of the 
    House of Representatives--a Representative from the 26th District 
    of California--effective as of noon, Thursday, September 30, 1965.
        I hope it is appropriate for me to add that I can sincerely say 
    I have had the privilege of serving my country not only under the 
    leadership of the great Speaker, Sam Rayburn, but under your 
    speakership, which I regard as probably the most effective and 
    productive sessions in our country's history. You have, in so many 
    ways, given me your support and friendship that I, of course, 
    cannot find a way to adequately express my appreciation and 
    everlasting affectionate respect.
        I look forward to my new assignment in a critical area of the 
    world's history with the hope that I can put to use the lessons I 
    have learned during my service in the House. So many Members on 
    both sides of the aisle have made it possible, I hope, for me to 
    have made some contribution, and I take this last opportunity of 
    expressing my warmest thanks to each and every one of my 
    colleagues. I shall hope to visit with you frequently.
        With sincere regards and best wishes, as always, I am

[[Page 387]]

              Yours sincerely,

                                                  James Roosevelt.

Sec. 4.6 A Member resigned from the House to accept an appointment as 
    the United States ambassador to another nation.

    On Nov. 12, 1997,(1) the Speaker pro 
tempore(2) resigned his seat in the House to become the 
United States Ambassador to Italy. The communication was as follows:

 1. 143 Cong. Rec. 26038, 26572, 105th Cong. 1st Sess.
 2. Thomas E. Petri (WI).

                                    Congress of the United States,
                                         House of Representatives,

                                Washington, DC, November 11, 1997.

                                                 Hon. Newt Gingrich,
                               Speaker of the House, Washington, DC.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: This letter is to officially notify you of my 
    resignation as United States Representative to the First District 
    of Pennsylvania. President Clinton has given me the opportunity to 
    continue my lifetime of public service by nominating me to be 
    Ambassador to Italy, the nation of my heritage.
        I love this body and leave it with bittersweet emotions--I move 
    onto exciting new challenges but I leave so many good friends and 
    colleagues. I feel so strongly about so many of the people I have 
    served with over the past seventeen years. There is that saying 
    attributable to Harry Truman that if you want a friend in 
    Washington, buy a dog. For me, nothing can be further from the 
    truth. I have made friends here, on both sides of the aisle, who I 
    will keep and cherish for the rest of my life.
        I thank the people of the First District for the opportunity to 
    serve them, this country and this institution. It has been a great 
    honor.
        Thank you.

            Sincerely,

                                        Thomas M. Foglietta. . . .



                                         House of Representatives,

                                Washington, DC, November 11, 1997.

                                                     Hon. Tom Ridge,

                             Governor, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania,

                                                     Harrisburg, PA.

        Dear Mr. Governor: This letter is to officially notify you of 
    my resignation as United States Representative to the First 
    District of Pennsylvania. President Clinton has given me the 
    opportunity to continue my lifetime of public service by nominating 
    me to be Ambassador to Italy, the nation of my heritage.
        I thank the people of the First District for the opportunity to 
    serve them, this country and this institution. It has been a great 
    honor.
        Thank you.

              Sincerely,

                                              Thomas M. Foglietta.

Service as Governor or Mayor

Sec. 4.7 A Member has resigned in order to serve as Governor of his 
    State or Mayor of his city.

[[Page 388]]

    On Dec. 8, 2006,(1) the Speaker pro 
tempore(2) laid before the House a letter from a Member 
advising of his resignation, accompanied by a copy of the actual letter 
of resignation that the Member submitted to the State official 
concerned. The proceedings were as follows:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 1. 152 Cong. Rec. 23201, 109th Cong. 2d Sess.
 2. Jo Bonner (AL).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

                 RESIGNATION FROM THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

        The SPEAKER pro tempore laid before the House the following 
    resignation from the House of Representatives:

                                    Congress of the United States,
                                         House of Representatives,
                                 Washington, DC, December 4, 2006.

                                                Hon. Dennis Hastert,
                                  Speaker, House of Representatives,
                                                     Washington, DC.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: On November 7, 2006, I received the great 
    privilege of being elected Governor of the State of Nevada. 
    Although Dean Heller was elected and will succeed me as the 
    representative of the Second Congressional District of Nevada, 
    under Nevada law I must formally resign my Congressional office 
    prior to taking office as Governor. I have advised the current 
    Governor of the State of Nevada of such resignation and hereby 
    inform you of my formal resignation as the representative of the 
    Second Congressional District of Nevada to be effective at the 
    close of business on December 31, 2006.
        It has been an honor and pleasure representing the Great State 
    of Nevada in Congress over the past 10 years, and I look forward to 
    continuing that service as Governor.

            Sincerely,
                                                      Jim Gibbons,
                                               Member of Congress.



                                                 December 4, 2006.
                                                   Hon. Kenny Guinn,
                                          Governor, State of Nevada,
                                                    Carson City, NV.

        Dear Governor Guinn: On November 7, 2006, I received the great 
    privilege of being elected Governor of the State of Nevada. As you 
    may be aware, under Nevada law I must formally resign my 
    Congressional office prior to taking office as Governor. I have 
    advised the Speaker of the House of such resignation and hereby 
    inform you of my formal resignation as the representative of the 
    2nd Congressional District of Nevada to be effective at the close 
    of business on December 31, 2006.
        It has been an honor and pleasure representing the Great State 
    of Nevada in Congress over the past 10 years, and I look forward to 
    continuing that service as Governor.

            Sincerely,
                                                      Jim Gibbons.

    On Dec. 21, 1987,(3) the Speaker laid before the House a 
communication from a Member resigning his seat in the House to become 
the Governor of Louisiana.

 3. 133 Cong. Rec. 37624, 100th Cong. 1st Sess.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                    Hon. Jim Wright,


[[Page 389]]


                              The Speaker, House of Representatives,

                                                     Washington, DC.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: The enclosed letter has been received in the 
    Clerk's Office regarding the resignation from the House, next 
    March, of the Honorable Buddy Roemer of the Fourth Congressional 
    District of Louisiana.
        This letter is transmitted for your information. I will send 
    any further details regarding this expected vacancy whenever they 
    are received by my office.
        With great respect, I am,

              Sincerely yours,

                                              Donnald K. Anderson,

                                  Clerk, House of Representatives.


                                         House of Representatives,

                                Washington, DC, December 14, 1987.

                                              Hon. Edwin W. Edwards,

                                          Governor, Baton Rouge, LA.

        Dear Governor Edwards: I hereby resign as United States 
    Representative for the Fourth Congressional District for the State 
    of Louisiana effective March 14, 1988, the day of my inauguration 
    as Governor of the State of Louisiana. Please be advised that it is 
    my intention to continue to serve as a member of the United States 
    Congress until my inauguration on March 14.
        Pursuant to Louisiana Revised Statutes 18:1279, I ask that you 
    call a special election to fill my seat as United States 
    Representative and that the primary for such election be set for 
    March 8, 1988. It is my understanding that the State will hold a 
    statewide presidential preference primary election on March 8 and, 
    therefore, that also holding the special election for my 
    congressional seat on that day will result in substantial savings 
    to the state.
        Please formally notify the Clerk of the United States House of 
    Representatives of my resignation and its effective date.

              Sincerely,

                                                     Buddy Roemer,

                                               Member of Congress.

    On Jan. 19, 1978,(4) the Speaker laid before the House a 
communication from a Member resigning his seat in the House to become 
the Mayor of New York.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 4. 124 Cong. Rec. 107, 95th Cong. 2d Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

      
                                          House of Representatives

                              Washington, D.C., December 27, 1977.

                                         Hon. Thomas P. O'Neill Jr.,

                                  Speaker, House of Representatives,

                                                    Washington, D.C.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: As you know, as a result of my election to 
    the Mayoralty of the City of New York, I must resign my current 
    position as a member of Congress in the 18th Congressional District 
    of the State of New York. This letter of resignation is to be 
    effective as of the close of December 31, 1977. I would appreciate 
    your taking whatever steps are required to note the resignation as 
    of that date.
        All the best.

              Sincerely,

                                                   Edward I. Koch.



                                                    New York, N.Y.

                                                December 13, 1977.

                                                Hon. Mario M. Cuomo,


[[Page 390]]


                              Secretary of State, State of New York,

                                                      New York, N.Y.

        Dear Mr. Secretary: As you know, as a result of my election to 
    the Mayoralty of the City of New York, I must resign my current 
    position as a member of Congress in the 18th Congressional District 
    of the State of New York. This letter of resignation is to be 
    effective as of the close of December 31, 1977. I would appreciate 
    your taking whatever steps are required to note the resignation as 
    of that date and to commence the process for filling that seat.
        All the best.

              Sincerely,

                                                   Edward I. Koch.

Judicial Appointment

Sec. 4.8 A Member informed the Speaker by letter that he had 
    transmitted his resignation to his State Governor in order to 
    assume the duties of a Federal judge in his State.

    On May 23, 1985,(1) the Speaker laid before the House a 
communication from a Member resigning his seat in the House to accept 
an appointment as a Federal judge.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 1. 131 Cong. Rec. 13421, 99th Cong. 1st Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

      
                                          House of Representatives

                                     Washington, DC, May 23, 1985.

                                        Hon. Thomas P. O'Neill, Jr.,

                           Speaker, House of Representatives, H-204,

                                        The Capitol, Washington, DC.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: By this letter, I submit my resignation as a 
    member of the U.S. House of Representatives effective Monday, May 
    27th, 1985. As you know, this resignation is necessitated by my 
    appointment to serve as a United States District Judge for the 
    Eastern District of Texas.
        Membership in the U.S. House of Representatives is among the 
    highest honors that can come to an individual in our democratic 
    system, and it is made all the more rewarding because of the 
    opportunity to serve with elected officials like yourself who love 
    and defend our great country. I shall always cherish this 
    friendship and association.
        I want to thank you for all of the courtesies that you have 
    extended to me and my office. I hope to have the opportunity to 
    welcome you to East Texas in the future. It would be a privilege.

              Sincerely,

                                                  Sam B. Hall, Jr.



                                         House of Representatives,

                                     Washington, DC, May 23, 1985.

                                                    Hon. Mark White,
                     Governor of Texas, Capitol Station, Austin, TX.

        Dear Governor: As the enclosed indicates, I am resigning my 
    seat in the U.S. House of Representatives effective May 27, 1985.
        I am also submitting my resignation to you, and in so doing, I 
    want to commend you and your entire staff for the tremendous 
    cooperation and assistance you have given me during your tenure as 
    our Governor. The liaison between our offices has been exemplary.

[[Page 391]]

        In closing I would like to respectfully urge you to set a date 
    for a special election in the First Congressional District to fill 
    the unexpired term as soon as possible. The citizens of East Texas 
    are deserving of representation as soon as practicable, and I am 
    hopeful that we can have a replacement in this seat very soon.
        Again, thank you for your friendship and many courtesies.

              Sincerely yours,

                                                  Sam B. Hall, Jr.

    On Sept. 27, 1979,(2) the Speaker laid before the House 
a communication from a Member resigning his seat in the House to accept 
an appointment as a Federal judge.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 2. 125 Cong. Rec. 26503, 26504, 96th Cong. 1st Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

      
                                                 Washington, D.C.,

                                               September 26, 1979.

                                        Hon. Thomas P. O'Neill, Jr.,

                                               Speaker of the House.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: I hereby tender my resignation as 
    Representative in Congress from the 10th Congressional District, 
    Illinois, effective 5:00 p.m., September 26, 1979. I am enclosing a 
    copy of the wire to that effect that I have sent to Governor James 
    Thompson of Illinois. I respectfully request that it be spread upon 
    the records of the House.
        The years that I have spent as a Member of this great body have 
    been the most fulfilling and exciting years of my life. While I 
    look forward to my new tasks as a Judge in the U.S. Court of 
    Appeals for the District of Columbia, I will always treasure those 
    special associations with the very special people who make up the 
    United States House of Representatives. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

              Sincerely,

                                                   Abner J. Mikva.



                                                 Washington, D.C.,

                                               September 26, 1979.

                                                Hon. James Thompson,

                                               Governor of Illinois,

                                                State House No. 207,

                                                   Springfield, Ill.

        I hereby tender my resignation as Representative in Congress 
    from the 10th Congressional District, Illinois, effective 6:00 p.m. 
    (Eastern Daylight Time), September 26, 1979. Serving in this office 
    has been the highest privilege that can be given to any citizen. I 
    will always treasure it.

                                                   Abner J. Mikva.

    On Jan. 31, 1966,(3) the Speaker laid before the House 
the resignation of a Member who resigned from the House to accept an 
appointment as a Federal judge:

 3. 112 Cong. Rec. 1562, 1563, 89th Cong. 2d. Sess.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                    Congress of the United States,

                                         House of Representatives,

                               Washington, D.C., January 27, 1966.

                                             Hon. John W. McCormack.

                            Speaker of the House of Representatives,

                                                    Washington, D.C.

        My Dear Mr. Speaker: I have the solemn duty to inform you that 
    I have this day transmitted to the Honorable

[[Page 392]]

    Orval E. Faubus, Governor of Arkansas, my resignation as a 
    Representative in the Congress of the United States from the Fourth 
    District of Arkansas, effective at the close of business February 
    2, 1966.
        Although I look forward to assuming a new status in life as 
    Federal judge of the Eastern and Western Districts of Arkansas, it 
    is with deep feeling that I leave the House of Representatives. I 
    am grateful for the privilege of the association during my years in 
    this great institution. It has been a rich and rewarding experience 
    for Mrs. Harris and for me, which we shall always cherish.

        May the providence of God sustain you and every Member 
    throughout the years ahead.
        Humbly and gratefully, I remain always

            Sincerely yours,
                                                      Oren Harris,

                                               Member of Congress.

        Enclosure.



                                    Congress of the United States,

                                         House of Representatives,

                               Washington, D.C., January 27, 1966.

                                               Hon. Orval E. Faubus,

                                        Governor, State of Arkansas,

                                                   Little Rock, Ark.

        My Dear Governor: It is with mixed feelings and a sense of 
    pride that I hereby tender to you my resignation as a Member of the 
    House of Representatives in the Congress of the United States from 
    the Fourth District of Arkansas, effective at the close of business 
    February 2, 1966. This is pursuant to our understanding when I 
    visited with you in the hospital in Little Rock, December 21, 1965.
        As you are aware, I will become U.S. district judge for the 
    Eastern and Western Districts of Arkansas at 11 a.m. Thursday, 
    February 3, in my hometown, El Dorado, Ark.
        I am humbly grateful for the special honor and privilege of 
    having served our State and district in the Congress for these 25 
    years and 1 month. It has been a joy to me and my family to have 
    had the association during these years, which we shall ever 
    cherish.
        I want to thank you for the courtesies you have always extended 
    to me, as well as the cooperation in our efforts to serve the 
    people of our State of Arkansas.
        With genuine respect and esteem, I am

              Sincerely yours,

                                                      Oren Harris,

                                               Member of Congress.

Sec. 4.9 A Member of the House resigned to accept an appointment to the 
    supreme court of his State.

    On Jan. 7, 1997,(1) the following letter of resignation 
was laid before the House from a Member resigning his seat in the House 
effective Jan. 1, 1997, to take a seat on the Supreme Court of 
Arkansas.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 1. 143 Cong. Rec. 189, 105th Cong. 1st Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

      
                                    Congress of the United States,

                                         House of Representatives,

                                Washington, DC, November 14, 1996.


[[Page 393]]


                                                 Hon. Newt Gingrich,

               Speaker, U.S. House of Representatives, The Capitol, 
                                                     Washington, DC.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: Enclosed herewith please find a copy of my 
    letter of resignation as a Member of Congress, effective at noon on 
    January 1, 1997 which I have tendered to the appropriate Arkansas 
    State Authority.
        Best personal regards,
                                                     Ray Thornton.




                                    Congress of the United States,

                                         House of Representatives,

                                Washington, DC, November 19, 1996.

                                                 Hon. Sharon Priest,

                   Secretary of State, The Capitol, Little Rock, AR.

        Dear Madam Secretary: Pursuant to the results of the general 
    election of November 5, 1996, I will be taking office as an 
    Associate Justice of the Arkansas Supreme Court on January 1, 1997. 
    I therefore hereby submit my resignation as Arkansas second 
    district Representative in the United States Congress to you 
    effective at noon on January 1, 1997. Until that time I will 
    continue to carry out my duties as your Congressman.
        Best personal regards,

                                                     Ray Thornton.

    On Sept. 8, 1969,(2) a Member resigned from the House to 
accept an appointment as Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of New 
Jersey.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 2. 115 Cong. Rec. 24634, 91st Cong. 1st Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

      
                                                September 4, 1969.

                                             Hon. John W. McCormack,

                                  Speaker, House of Representatives,

                                                 Room H206, Capitol.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: This will inform you that I have this day 
    transmitted to the Governor of the State of New Jersey my 
    resignation as a Representative in the Congress of the United 
    States from the 8th District of New Jersey.
        I am deeply grateful for your many courtesies.

              Sincerely,

                                               Charles S. Joelson,

                                               Member of Congress.

Change of Party Affiliation

Sec. 4.10 A Member who had changed his party affiliation resigned his 
    seat to stand for election in a special election as a member of his 
    new political party.

    On Jan. 6, 1983,(1) Speaker pro tempore James C. Wright, 
Jr., of Texas, laid before the House a communication from a Member 
resigning his seat in the House, as follows:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 1. 129 Cong. Rec. 114, 98th Cong. 1st Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

      
                                         House of Representatives,

                                Washington, D.C., January 5, 1983.

                                        Hon. Thomas P. O'Neill, Jr.,

                                  Speaker, House of Representatives,

                                                    Washington, D.C.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: I herewith tender my resignation as a member 
    of the

[[Page 394]]

    98th Congress, to take effect at the close of business today, the 
    5th of January, 1983.
        I have this day, by separate letter, officially notified the 
    Governor of Texas of my resignation.
        Yours most respectfully,

                                             William Philip Gramm,

                                               Member of Congress,

                                            Sixth District, Texas.

    Parliamentarian's Note: Mr. Gramm had been elected to the 98th 
Congress as a Democrat and was sworn in as a Democrat. Having changed 
his party affiliation to Republican, he resigned the seat to which his 
constituents had elected him as a member of one party in order to stand 
for reelection as a member of the other party.

Contested Seat

Sec. 4.11 A Member resigned a contested seat.

    On May 4, 1977,(1) the Speaker laid before the House a 
communication from a Member resigning his contested seat in the House 
unconditionally.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 1. 123 Cong. Rec. 13391, 95th Cong. 1st Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

      
                                    Washington, D.C., May 4, 1977.

                                        Hon. Thomas P. O'Neill, Jr.,

                              Speaker of the House, Washington, D.C.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: Enclosed please find my letter of resignation 
    addressed this day to the Honorable Edwin W. Edwards, the Governor 
    of the State of Louisiana.
        My short stay in the House has been the most rewarding 
    experience of my life. I am tremendously impressed by the integrity 
    and industry of its members. I have made friends whom I will never 
    forget.
        Keep my seat warm and tell my colleagues not to forget me 
    because I am running again and will win again.
        With kindest personal regards, I am,

              Sincerely,

                                                 Richard A. Tonry.



                                         House of Representatives,

                                    Washington, D.C., May 4, 1977.

                                              Hon. Edwin W. Edwards,

                                            Governor, State Capitol,

                                                    Baton Rouge, La.

        Dear Governor Edwards: This is perhaps the hardest letter I 
    have ever had to write.
        I am sure you are familiar with the continuing controversy that 
    has surrounded my election to Congress. My own personal 
    investigation and that of the House Committee has convinced me that 
    there were fraudulent and illegal votes cast in my favor and in 
    favor of my opponent. I sincerely believe and have always felt that 
    if all the fraudulent and illegal votes were subtracted from the 
    total I would still be declared the winner.
        However, what I believe is not important. What must be 
    protected is our beloved Louisiana and this Nation. That fraudulent 
    votes were cast at all is deplorable. This democracy must be 
    protected and the people of the First Congressional District must 
    rest with

[[Page 395]]

    the assurance that their Congressman has been elected by a majority 
    of the people.
        I have enjoyed nothing as much as serving my people in 
    Congress. I know I have been a good Congressman.
        But the divisiveness must be cured and the will of the people 
    in the First Congressional District must be definitively 
    recognized.
        For these reasons, I hereby tender my resignation as the United 
    States Representative for the First Congressional district.
        I respectfully request that you call a new election as soon as 
    possible so that the people of my district will not be without 
    representation for any significant length of time.

              Sincerely,

                                                 Richard A. Tonry.

Criminal Conviction

Sec. 4.12 A Member resigned from the House after having been convicted 
    of fraud under 18 USC Sec. Sec. 80 and 88 and having received a 
    jail sentence.

    On Jan. 3, 1950,(1) the Speaker laid before the House 
the resignation of a Member who was convicted of fraud after the first 
session of the 81st Congress and who resigned the day before the second 
session met.(2)

 1. 96 Cong. Rec. 8, 81st Cong. 2d Sess.
 2. Effect of criminal conviction generally, see Chs. 7, 12, supra.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------
                               Washington, D.C., December 9, 1949.

                                                   Hon. Sam Rayburn,

                                  Speaker, House of Representatives,

                                                      United States.

        Sir: I beg leave to inform you that I have this day transmitted 
    to the Governor of New Jersey my resignation as a Representative in 
    the Congress of the United States from the Seventh District of New 
    Jersey, such resignation to take effect on the 2d day of January 
    1950.

                                                J. Parnell Thomas.

Senate Resignation to Permit Governor to Fill Vacancy

Sec. 4.13 A Member of the Senate resigned shortly before the expiration 
    of his term to permit the Governor of his State to fill the vacancy 
    created thereby.

    In the Senate, on Dec. 31, 1970,(1) the acting President 
pro tempore, James B. Allen, of Alabama, laid before the Senate the 
following letter and telegram, relating to the resignation of the 
Senator from Delaware:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 1. 116 Cong. Rec. 44358, 91st Cong. 2d Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

      
                                                      U.S. Senate,

                              Washington, D.C., December 31, 1970.

                                   The President of the U.S. Senate,

                                                    Washington, D.C.

            Attention Mr. Francis R. Valeo, Secretary of the Senate.

        My Dear Mr. Vice President: I am hereby resigning as United 
    States Senator from Delaware effective midnight December 31, 1970.

[[Page 396]]

        Governor Russell W. Peterson, of Delaware, has been officially 
    notified of this resignation by telegram, a copy of which is 
    enclosed.

              Yours sincerely,

                                                 John J. Williams.

        Enclosure.



                                           Gov. Russell W. Peterson,

                                                        State House,

                                                        Dover, Del.:

                                                December 31, 1970.

        This is to inform you that I am resigning as United States 
    Senator effective midnight December 31, 1970, in order to permit 
    the appointment of William V. Roth, Jr., to fill my unexpired term 
    ending noon January 3, 1971.
                                                 John J. Williams,

                                            United States Senator.

    In the House, on the same day,(2) the Speaker laid 
before the House a letter of resignation from Rep. Roth, who had been 
appointed to fill the vacancy in the Senate caused by the resignation 
of Senator Williams, whose term of office was about to expire.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 2. Id. at p. 44304.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

      
                                                December 31, 1970.

                                             Hon. John W. McCormack,

            Speaker, U.S. House of Representatives, Washington, D.C.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: I hereby submit my resignation as the 
    Representative-at-Large from the State of Delaware in the United 
    States House of Representatives, effective midnight, December 31, 
    1970.

              Sincerely,

                                William V. Roth, Jr.(3)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 3. See also Sec. 5.9, infra, for another instance where a resignation 
        from the Senate was timed to correspond with a resignation from 
        the House, where the House Member had been appointed to fill 
        the Senate vacancy.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Parliamentarian's Note: Mr. Roth had been elected to Senator 
Williams' seat for the next Congress. By resigning three days before 
the expiration of his term, Senator Williams enabled the Governor to 
appoint Mr. Roth to fulfill the unexpired portion of his term. This 
gave Senator-elect Roth a three-day advantage in seniority over the 
other newly elected Senators.
    On Jan. 3, 1953,(4) the Vice President (5) 
addressed the Senate as follows:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 4. 99 Cong. Rec. 3, 83d Cong. 1st Sess.
 5. Alben W. Barkley (KY).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

        The Chair lays before the Senate two letters of resignation 
    from the United States Senate--an almost unheard-of proceeding. The 
    Secretary will read the letters.
        The legislative clerk (Edward E. Mansur, Jr.) read, as follows:

                                             United States Senate,

                            Committee on Labor and Public Welfare,

                                                November 25, 1952.

              The Honorable the Vice President of the United States,
                                               United States Senate,

                                                   Washington, D. C.


[[Page 397]]


            Dear Mr. Vice President: I am enclosing a copy of my letter 
        of resignation from the United States Senate which, as you will 
        note, is effective at the close of business January 1, 1953.

        With very best regards,

              Sincerely,

                                                    Richard Nixon.



                                             United States Senate,

                            Committee on Labor and Public Welfare,

                                                 November 8, 1952.

                                          The Honorable Earl Warren,

                                             Governor of California,

                                                  Sacramento, Calif.

            Dear Governor Warren: I herewith tender my resignation as 
        United States Senator from California, effective at the close 
        of business January 1, 1953. This will enable our newly 
        appointed Senator from California to obtain the same advantages 
        of seniority which I received when you appointed me to the 
        Senate upon Senator Downey's resignation in 1950.

        With all good wishes,

              Sincerely,
                                                    Richard Nixon.



                                             United States Senate,

                                   Committee on Foreign Relations,

                                                December 23, 1952.

                                              Hon. Alben W. Barkley,

                                Vice President of the United States,

                                                   Washington, D. C.

        Dear Mr. President: I enclose copy of communication to the 
    Governor of Maine notifying him of my resignation as United States 
    Senator as of December 31, 1952.

              Respectfully,
                                                    Owen Brewster,

                                            United States Senator.



                                                December 23, 1952.

                                            Hon. Frederick G. Payne,

                                                  Governor of Maine,

                                        State House, Augusta, Maine.

        My Dear Governor: Will you please accept my resignation as 
    United States Senator from Maine effective at the close of business 
    on December 31, 1952, for reasons stated in my letter of December 
    19, 1952, to the Secretary of State of the State of Maine.
        Copy of this communication is also going to the Vice President 
    of the United States.

              Respectfully,

                                                    Owen Brewster,

                                            United States Senator.

        The VICE PRESIDENT. No action is required on these letters of 
    resignation, but they will be placed on file.

Sec. 4.14 A Senator who had been elected to a full six-year term, by a 
    ``write-in'' vote following the death of his predecessor at a time 
    too late in 1954 for a new nominating primary, resigned to permit 
    nomination of candidates for the office in the next regular primary 
    election. He also announced his own candidacy for the unexpired 
    term (four years).

[[Page 398]]

    On the legislative day of Mar. 26, 1956,(1) the 
President pro tempore of the Senate (2) laid before the 
Senate the letters of resignation of Senator J. Strom Thurmond, of 
South Carolina.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 1. 102 Cong. Rec. 5617, 84th Cong. 2d Sess., Mar. 27, 1956 (calendar 
        day).
 2. Walter F. George (GA).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

      

        The PRESIDENT pro tempore. The Chair lays before the Senate a 
    communication from the Senator from South Carolina [Mr. Thurmond] 
    enclosing a copy of a letter addressed to the governor of that 
    State, tendering his resignation as a Senator, effective on April 
    4, 1956, which, with the accompanying letter, will be printed in 
    the Record and placed on file.
        The letters are as follows:

                                             United States Senate,

                                 Washington, D.C., March 23, 1956.

                                              Hon. Richard M. Nixon,

                                Vice President of the United States,

                                               United States Senate,

                                                   Washington, D. C.

        Dear Mr. President: This is to inform you officially of my 
    resignation as a Senator from South Carolina, effective April 4, 
    1956.
        Enclosed herewith is a copy of a letter I submitted to the 
    Honorable George Bell Timmerman, Jr., Governor of South Carolina, 
    on March 3, 1956, in which I stated my reason for resigning. The 
    Governor accepted my resignation, effective April 4, the same day I 
    submitted it to him. This is for the purpose of making the official 
    records clear as to my action.

              Sincerely yours,

                                                   Strom Thurmond,

                        United States Senator from South Carolina.



                                             United States Senate,

                                  Washington, D.C., March 3, 1956.

                                    Hon. George Bell Timmerman, Jr.,

                                         Governor of South Carolina,

                                    The State House, Columbia, S. C.

        Dear Governor Timmerman: In keeping with the pledge which I 
    made to the people of South Carolina during the 1954 campaign, and 
    in order that the State Democratic Convention can place the office 
    in this summer's primary, I hereby resign as United States Senator 
    effective on and as of April 4, 1956, and I respectfully request 
    that you accept this resignation effective on that date.

              Sincerely yours,

                                                   Strom Thurmond.

    Senator Thurmond, who had been elected to a full six-year term by a 
``write-in'' vote following the death of his predecessor(3) 
two months before the general election, announced his resignation in 
order that he might be a candidate in his party's next regular primary 
election, competing with other candidates for the opportunity to be the 
party's candidate in the November general election for the remainder of 
the unexpired term.(4) The explanation as

[[Page 399]]

to why Senator Thurmond would resign his seat in the Senate only to run 
for the same office was made on Mar. 6, 1956,(5) when he 
addressed the Senate relative to his resignation therefrom and received 
unanimous consent to have his remarks extended in the Congressional 
Record.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 3. Burnet R. Maybank died Sept. 1, 1954.
 4. 102 Cong. Rec. 3991, 84th Cong. 2d Sess., Mar. 6, 1956.
 5. Id.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

        Mr. THURMOND. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent to have 
    printed in the body of the Record the text of an announcement I 
    made in Columbia, S.C., the capital of my State, on March 3, 1956.
        The announcement explains a promise I made to the people of 
    South Carolina in the fall of 1954, when I entered the campaign for 
    election to the Senate. It also explains why I have submitted my 
    resignation to the Governor of South Carolina and will give up my 
    Senate seat on April 4, in spite of the fact that more than 4 years 
    remain of the 6-year term to which I was elected.
        In the Democratic primary in South Carolina on June 12, I will 
    be a candidate for the nomination of my party to enter the November 
    general election to seek the approval of the voters of my State to 
    succeed myself in the Senate, for the remainder of my term.
        Although the press has published my reasons for taking this 
    action, I believe it appropriate that I should present this 
    explanation to my distinguished colleagues.
        There being no objection, Mr. Thurmond's announcement was 
    ordered to be printed in the Record, as follows:

        News Statement by Senator Strom Thurmond, of South Carolina, in 
        Columbia, S.C., March 3, 1956, Announcing his Resignation From 
                            the United States Senate

            The untimely death of Senator Burnet R. Maybank came on 
        September 1, 1954, just over 2 months before the General 
        Election on November 2 of that year. Senator Maybank had been 
        renominated in the Democratic primary without opposition.
            If a special Democratic primary had been held to nominate a 
        successor to Senator Maybank, the voters in that primary would 
        have been bound by South Carolina law and by oath under State 
        Democratic Party rules to support the nominee. A special 
        primary was not held. Therefore, the Democrats of South 
        Carolina were free to vote for the person of their choice for 
        the full 6-year term in the 1954 general election.
            Democrats in every county called on me to lead a write-in 
        campaign as their candidate for the Senate. The view of many 
        political observers was that such a campaign would be hopeless 
        because of the difficulties of write-in balloting.
            I believe the people themselves had a right to vote for a 
        candidate of their choice to fill an office, especially since 
        the term of office was for 6 years. I agreed to become a 
        Democratic write-in candidate for the Senate seat left vacant 
        for the term beginning in January 1955.
            In the 1954 campaign I stated:
            ``This is a fight for principle. * * * To make the 
        principle at stake crystal clear, I pledge to the people of 
        South Carolina that if I am elected in the general election on 
        November 2, I will tender my resignation in 1956 in sufficient 
        time to let the Democrats of South Carolina nominate a United 
        States Senator in the regular Democratic primary election

[[Page 400]]

        that year, which is the earliest regular primary to be held.''
            On March 21 the State Democratic Convention will be held. 
        One of its functions is to provide for a primary to nominate 
        Democrats for the various offices which will be filled by the 
        voters in November in the general election. Candidates who 
        enter the primary must qualify between noon on March 22 and 
        noon on April 5.
            The time has come for me to fulfill my promise to the 
        people of South Carolina.
            I have tried to choose a course that will be as crystal 
        clear as the principle I upheld in the 1954 campaign.
            Today I have delivered my letter of resignation to Governor 
        Timmerman.
            The text of the letter states:
            ``In keeping with the pledge which I made to the people of 
        South Carolina during the 1954 campaign, and in order that the 
        State Democratic convention can place the office in this 
        summer's primary, I hereby resign as United States Senator 
        effective on and as of April 4, 1956, and I respectfully 
        request that you accept this resignation effective on that 
        date.''
            The State convention can provide for a primary to nominate 
        a candidate for the remaining 4 years of the 6-year term to 
        which I was elected. The Democrats of South Carolina can have 
        the opportunity of nominating the person of their choice on 
        June 12. Any person who desires to enter the primary as a 
        candidate has sufficient notice.
            I shall be a candidate for nomination in the primary to 
        succeed myself in the Senate.
            My resignation was made effective April 4, the day before 
        the closing of the books for qualification and before the 
        campaign opens. Because of the unprecedented circumstances of 
        the 1954 senatorial election, I would not want to have any 
        advantage which might result from my holding office during this 
        primary campaign.
            My resignation will guarantee a free and open primary 
        election for South Carolina Democrats. I believe the course I 
        have taken in resigning, and in making this announcement a 
        month before the effective date, fulfills to the utmost the 
        pledge I made to the people in 1954.
            The trust reposed in me by the people has been deeply 
        appreciated, and I have tried at all times to reward this trust 
        by exerting my best efforts on behalf of the State and the 
        Nation.

Addressing the House

Sec. 4.15 A resigning Member may, by unanimous consent, address the 
    House to explain the reasons for his resignation.

    On Sept. 23, 1943,(1) the Speaker laid before the House 
the following communication:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 1. 89 Cong. Rec. 7779, 78th Cong. 1st Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

      
                                               September 20, 1943.

                                                   Hon. Sam Rayburn,

                                  Speaker, House of Representatives,
                                                   Washington, D. C.
        Dear Mr. Speaker: This is to inform you that I have submitted 
    my resignation as a Member of Congress from the Twenty-third 
    Congressional District of Pennsylvania to Gov. Edward W. Martin, 
    effective 6 p. m., September 24, 1943.
        I wish to express my sincere appreciation for the many 
    courtesies you have extended me.

[[Page 401]]

            Very sincerely,
                                               James E. Van Zandt.

        Mr. VAN ZANDT. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to address 
    the House for 1 minute.
        The SPEAKER. Without objection, it, is so ordered.
        There was no objection.
        Mr. VAN ZANDT. Mr. Speaker, I have submitted my resignation as 
    a Member of Congress effective 6 p.m., tomorrow, September 24. My 
    resignation is the result of my intense desire to serve my country 
    in the armed forces as a member of the United States Navy.
        I am grateful to you, Mr. Speaker, and to my colleagues for the 
    many courtesies shown me during the past five years. I shall think 
    often of you and the multitude of important issues you will be 
    called upon to decide. Believe me when I tell you it has been a 
    distinct honor to serve in this distinguished body, the Congress of 
    the United States; yet I feel it is an equal honor to be blessed 
    with good health and able to serve in the armed forces.

        Naturally it shall be my ambition, when the war clouds have 
    been dispersed, to return to Congress, richer in experience and 
    with a broader outlook.
        Until we meet again, good luck and godspeed to all of you.