House Education and the Workforce Committee Chairman John Kline (R-MN) issued the following statement after House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) announced his plan to retire:
Speaker Boehner has a long record of dedicated leadership, and I am shocked and saddened by his decision. His announcement today is a selfless act, and Speaker Boehner wanted to do what’s best for this institution and the country. He was one of the gang of seven which uncovered the House bank scandal almost 25 years ago. He was a trailblazer in efforts to rid Congress of pork-barrel spending, and I am proud we stood together to permanently ban earmarks from the House.
As chairman of the Education and the Workforce Committee, Speaker Boehner championed reforms that strengthened K-12 education, higher education, and retirement security. His leadership of the committee made a positive difference in the lives of countless students, workers, employers, and retirees. He continues to do the right things for this House and our country, and we will continue to fight for the causes he holds dear.
John’s leadership, integrity, and sincerity will be dearly missed in Washington, and his resignation leaves a tremendous void in the People’s House. I considered it a privilege to call him Speaker and an even greater honor to call him friend.
