In this Sept. 9, 2015, photo, Speaker of the House John Boehner of Ohio, pauses while speaking about his opposition to the Iran deal during a news conference with members of the House Republican leadership on Capitol Hill in Washington. Even though opponents of the Iran nuclear deal cant win in Congress, they arent going to go quietly. "This debate is far from over, and frankly, it's just beginning," Boehner said on Sept. 10. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
WASHINGTON (AP) — In a stunning move, House Speaker John Boehner (BAY’-nur) has told Republicans that he will step down at the end of October, giving up his leadership post and his seat in Congress in the face of hardline conservative opposition.
The 13-term Ohio Republican shocked his GOP caucus early this morning when he informed them of his decision in a closed-door session.
Florida Rep. John Mica says Boehner “just does not want to become the issue.”
Conservatives have demanded that any legislation to keep the government operating past next Wednesday’s midnight deadline strip Planned Parenthood of his funds, a stance opposed by more pragmatic lawmakers. The dispute had threatened Boehner’s speakership and roiled the GOP caucus.
Boehner took over the speakership in January 2011.
House Speaker John Boehner to step down
