Michael Grimm To Resign From Congress

Rep. Michael Grimm (R-N.Y.) announced Monday night that he is resigning from Congress, effective Jan. 5.

"The events which led to this day did not break my spirit, nor the will of the voters," reads a statement from the congressman. "However, I do not believe that I can continue to be 100% effective in the next Congress, and therefore, out of respect for the Office and the people I so proudly represent, it is time for me to start the next chapter of my life."

The New York Daily News first reported Grimm's intention to retire earlier Monday evening.

The news comes less than a week after Grimm pleaded guilty to one count of felony tax fraud. (The congressman was indicted on 20 counts in April.) His plea carries a maximum sentence of three years in prison.

Speaking to reporters after entering his plea, Grimm said he had no plans to resign, noting that the tax evasion in question happened before he was first elected to the House in 2010.

"As long as I am able to serve, I will serve," he said.

As The Huffington Post's Michael McAuliff reported , Grimm's legal woes posed a challenge for House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio):

January will mark the first time since 2006 that the GOP has control of both houses of Congress, and Boehner will be at the helm of the House's largest GOP majority since the 1930s. He and his Senate counterpart, soon-to-be Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), are hoping to show that Republicans can be trusted to govern.

...

But forcing Grimm out is not a simple matter. Congressional legal experts say Boehner cannot deny Grimm the opportunity to be seated at the start of the 114th Congress. All he can really do is pressure Grimm to quit.

This story has been updated to include Grimm's statement.