Oregon House Democrat David Wu resigned from office Tuesday, saying he will step down after the debt ceiling crisis is resolved.
“With great sadness, I therefore intend to resign effective upon the resolution of the debt ceiling crisis. This is the right decision for my family, the institution of the House, and my colleagues,” Mr. Wu said in a statement.
Mr. Wu announced his resignation from Congress today, moments after U.S. senators Jeff Merkely and Ron Wyden called for his resignation. The Oregon Democrat was facing pressure from Democratic leaders after allegations that he engaged in a “unwanted sexual” advance.
Mr. Wu’s resignation comes a day after House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi called for a House Ethics Committee to investigate allegations that the Oregon congressman made unwanted sexual advances to a young woman who was reportedly 18 years old at the time of the incident.
“I call on the Ethics Committee to initiate an investigation into the allegations against Congressman Wu,” Ms. Pelosi said in a statement. “With deep disappointment and sadness about this situation, I hope that the Ethics Committee will take up this matter.”
Mr. Wu said earlier this week that he would not resign, citing his interest in shielding his family from media attention.
“I’m trying to take care of the interests of my family,” Mr. Wu said.
