We’re getting word that Pennsylvania GOP Rep. Pat Meehan has abruptly resigned from Congress.
Meehan had previously announced he would not seek reelection but would finish out his term, representing the 7th District in PA.
Washington, D.C. insiders said on Friday Meehan had resigned, effective today.
We are monitoring this story for additional details.
True Pundit 1st in Nation to Break This Story — Now CONFIRMED — Meehan Resigns from Congress https://t.co/xkTTpMZ89Y
— Thomas Paine (@Thomas1774Paine) April 27, 2018
UPDATE: Meehan Confirms 1:50 p.m. EST with this statement:
Representative Patrick Meehan (R-PA) today transmitted a letter of resignation to Governor Tom Wolf and Speaker of the House Paul Ryan effective Friday, April 27, 2018. Representative Meehan had previously announced he would not seek re-election to the seat which he has held since being elected in 2010.
“With the knowledge I would not be standing for another term, I have decided that stepping down now is in the interest of the constituents I have been honored to serve. I have stayed to fight for important priorities like fully funding our troops, increasing support for medical research and preserving promising clean energy solutions. And now that work is accomplished.
“While I do believe I would be exonerated of any wrongdoing, I also did not want to put my staff through the rigors of an Ethics Committee investigation and believed it was best for them to have a head start on new employment rather than being caught up in an inquiry. And since I have chosen to resign, the inquiry will not become a burden to taxpayers and committee staff.
“I will pay $39,000.00 to the U.S. Treasury to reimburse for the severance payment that was made from my office account. That payment will be made within 30 days of my resignation from the House of Representatives. I did not want to leave with any question of violating the trust of taxpayers.
“My resignation will trigger the transition of operations of my offices at the Capitol and in the District to the Clerk of the House. Constituents will continue be served until my successor takes office.
“I am deeply grateful to my wife who is so supportive, and who has made many sacrifices in her own career so that I could pursue mine in public service. I am equally thankful for the unwavering support of my children.”
Representative Meehan has no future plans to discuss at this time.
Meehan concluded, “Though I wish my time in Congress would have finished in a more satisfying manner, I am proud of our accomplishments and thank the residents of my District for their confidence in me over the last eight years. I recognize that there are constituents who are disappointed in the manner in which I handled the situation that lead to my decision not to seek re-election and wish I had done better by them.”