DeLay Explains Why He Stepped Down

Jan. 7, 2005 — -- In making his decision not to attempt a return as House majority leader, Rep. Tom DeLay, R-Texas, sent letters to House Speaker Dennis Hastert, R-Ill., and his GOP colleagues in the House of Representatives. He then made a public statement to the media.

Following is the text of DeLay's statements.

Dear Mr. Speaker:

I am writing to inform you of my decision to permanently step aside as majority leader, and of my belief that the best interests of the conference would be served by the election of a new leader as soon as possible.

The job of majority leader and the mandate of the Republican majority are too important to be hamstrung, even for a few months, by personal distractions.

I will continue to serve my constituents and seek re-election to a 12th term representing Texas' 22nd district while I work to clear my name of the baseless charges leveled against me. I will also be reclaiming my seat on the Appropriations Committee when the second session of the 109th Congress convenes later this month.

Sincerely,

Tom DeLay

Dear Colleague:

Today, I have asked Speaker Hastert to convene our conference for the purpose of electing a new majority leader, the position I have been honored to fill these past three years through the trust and confidence of our colleagues.

During my time in Congress, I have always acted in an ethical manner within the rules of our body and the laws of our land. I am fully confident time will bear this out.

However, we live in serious times and the United States House of Representatives must be focused on the job of protecting our nation and meeting the daily challenges facing the American people. History has proven that when House Republicans are united and focused, success follows.

While we wage these important battles, I cannot allow our adversaries to divide and distract our attention. I will continue to stand up for the issues I care so deeply about and work with you all on these priorities. I am constantly thankful for the support of my constituents in recent days as well as over the years they have allowed me to serve them. I will continue to work every day to fulfill their trust, and yours.

Regards,

Tom DeLay

(as transcribed by The Associated Press)

It's so great to have my friends here with me and Christine thisafternoon. It is particularly an honor to have Kevin Brady come allthe way from The Woodlands area down here and we greatly appreciatehim breaking up his family time to be with us today on a veryimportant day, a very special day. And Mayor Wallace, and all theother elected officials who are here today, I also thank you. Iknow how busy your time is and how precious your family time is tobreak it off to come here on a Saturday.

As most of you have probably heard by now, earlier today, Iasked Speaker Hastert to convene the House Republican Conference assoon as possible for the purpose of electing a new majority leader.Serving in that capacity, through the trust and confidence of mycolleagues in the House, for three years has been a great honor,but the job of majority leader is too important to be hamstrung bypersonal distractions.

We have had, as a Republican majority over the last 11 years, aremarkable history. We have changed the course of this country in avery positive way. As Congressman Brady said, we have changedwelfare to where families are sticking together and they're gettinga paycheck instead of welfare check, and it has had a profoundimpact on the social fabric of this country.

We have cut taxes, we have shrunk government, we have redesignedgovernment, we have protected American families. I am very proud ofthe record of the Republican majority in the House ofRepresentatives. We have led this country for 11 years and what wehave done has been done because we've been united as a team,focused and united for the American people and what we have donefor this country.

But my first job has always been and it will remain to representthe people of the 22nd district. I have worked very hard to meettheir needs and serve their values in Washington. Those needs andvalues will now best be served by allowing House Republicans to seta new course and to unite behind a new and focused leader.

I will continue to serve my constituents by reclaiming my seaton the appropriations committee from which I will work to meet theneeds of the 22nd district, including improved transportationinfrastructure, homeland security and a fully funded space program.We have a lot of work to do on the national level. We need a 21stcentury tax code, we need to continue to win this war on terror andkeep our people safe, we need to continue to protect our familiesfrom an overactive judiciary. There is so much more to be done andI will continue to do that.

As you know, I am still a candidate for re-election thisNovember and I plan to run a very vigorous campaign and I plan towin it. In the 21 years I have been in Congress, I have alwaysacted in an ethical manner, within the rules of the house and thelaws of our land. Time once again, will bear out that truth.

I look forward to the work ahead with my constituents and withmy colleagues in service to America's security, America'sprosperity and America's families. Thank you all for coming and Godbless you.