[Deschler-Brown Precedents, Volume 17, Chapters 34 - 40]
[Ch. 37. Resignations]
[B. Resignation of a Member From the House]
[§ 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)
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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. -------------------
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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.
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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:
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1. 151 Cong. Rec. 19424, 109th Cong. 1st Sess.
2. Tom DeLay (TX).
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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:
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3. 151 Cong. Rec. 8388, 109th Cong. 1st Sess.
4. Tim Murphy (PA).
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RESIGNATION FROM THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
The SPEAKER pro tempore laid before the House the following
resignation from the House of Representatives:(5)
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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.
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6. 147 Cong. Rec. 16381, 107th Cong. 1st Sess.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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10. 123 Cong. Rec. 1907, 95th Cong. 1st Sess.
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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.
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11. Id.
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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.
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1. 143 Cong. Rec. 188, 105th Cong. 1st Sess.
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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.
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2. 142 Cong. Rec. 2336, 2337, 104th Cong. 2d Sess.
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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.
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3. 140 Cong. Rec. 29585, 103d Cong. 2d Sess.
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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.
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4. 135 Cong. Rec. 67, 101st Cong. 1st Sess.
5. Donnald K. Anderson (CA).
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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:
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6. 111 Cong. Rec. 25, 89th Cong. 1st Sess.
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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:
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1. 152 Cong. Rec. 400, 109th Cong. 2d Sess.
2. J. Dennis Hastert (IL).
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[[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.
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3. House Rules and Manual Sec. 1024b (2007).
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.