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Lowey, a Democrat from Harrison, cited ongoing political turmoil believed to have hastened Boehner's departure, in her prepared statement on Friday:
"It is sad that the extreme right wing of the Republican Caucus continues to exert outsize influence over well-intentioned, reasonable people who are exhausted from governing by manufactured crisis,'' Lowey said. "In the coming weeks, Congress must prevent a damaging government shutdown and negotiate a new budget framework, avoid a catastrophic debt default, and begin to address numerous long-term challenges."
In the House leader's prepared statement earlier Friday, Boehner said, "It was my plan to only serve as Speaker until the end of last year, but I stayed on to provide continuity to the Republican Conference and the House. It is my view, however, that prolonged leadership turmoil would do irreparable damage to the institution."
“I thank Speaker Boehner for his years of service to his district and the country," Lowey said.
Lowey added: "It is my sincere hope that the next Speaker of the House can once again focus on helping hardworking American families and investing in the future of this country."
During a Friday caucus of House Democrats, before the Ohio Republican officially announced his resignation, Lowey read a list of federal government agencies and programs that would shut down or go without funding if Congress forced another major budget impasse. It can be found online here:
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