Rahm Emanuel: Resignation From the House of Representatives

The CLERK. The Clerk is in receipt of a letter of resignation from the Honorable Rahm Emanuel from the State of Illinois. Without objection, the letters relating to his resignation will be printed in the Record. There was no objection.

December 30, 2008. Hon. Nancy Pelosi, Speaker, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Speaker Pelosi: I am writing to inform you that I have notified the Governor of Illinois of my resignation from the U.S. House of Representatives effective January 2, 2009, at     the end of the 110th Congress. I do not intend to take the office of Representative for the Fifth Congressional District in the 111th Congress. A copy of that letter is attached. It has been a privilege to serve the constituents of     Illinois' 5th District for the last six years and to work with you and our colleagues in Congress. Sincerely, Rahm Emanuel, Member of Congress. ____

January 2, 2009. Hon. Rod Blagojevich, Govenor, State of Illinois, Statehouse, Springfield, IL. Dear Governor Blagojevich: I am writing to resign my     position as United States Representative from the Fifth Congressional District of Illinois, effective January 2, 2009.      It has been a tremendous privilege to serve the people of      the Fifth District over the past six years. I am grateful for the opportunity to represent the hopes and dreams of a     quintessentially American district, from hardworking families to new immigrants to the senior citizens who built this great country. It has been my particular privilege to    represent the district's many military troops and veterans, who put their lives on the line to protect the values we     cherish. Their sense of duty and sacrifice has been an     inspiration, which I will carry with me to my new duties as      chief of staff to President-elect Barack Obama. As sons of immigrants to this country, you and I have a     deep appreciation for the opportunities America provides to      those who are willing to work hard and sacrifice for their children. As a member of the next Administration in     Washington, I will strive to maintain and expand that opportunity for all families, because the chance to work hard and build a better life is the principle that unites all Americans. Over the past few years, our government in     Washington has lost sight of that principle by catering to      the wealthiest Americans and powerful special interests-- leaving middle-class Americans to struggle with rising health care costs, reduced pensions and a collapsing economy. The recent election was a clarion call for a change in direction, so we can recapture the values that have made our nation a     beacon of hope and opportunity. As I go to work everyday in the incoming Obama Administration, I will keep in mind the stories of the working families and senior citizens who I met during the past six years in grocery stores, schools and churches across the Fifth District. I will strive to make our government work for them and their children, because that is the true measure of our success as a nation. With gratitude and best wishes, Sincerely, Rahm Emanuel, Member of Congress.