Grimm: 'I'm not taking a leave of absence'
Washington (CNN) - One day after being indicted for various charges in a New York federal court, Rep. Michael Grimm returned to Capitol Hill and pledged to stay there.
"I'm back to work doing what the people pay me to do: represent them. So that's what's gonna continue going forward," the New York Republican told CNN.
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Grimm stepped down Monday night from his post on the House Financial Services Committee, hours after the second-term Republican, who represents New York's 11th Congressional District, entered a not guilty plea on charges that include mail fraud and hiring undocumented workers.
House Speaker John Boehner told reporters Tuesday that Grimm's committee resignation was the "right decision," but Boehner wouldn't answer questions about whether Grimm should resign.
The congressman was released on bond Monday and promised to fight the charges, which he described as a "political witch hunt."
He also vowed to keep serving in his role as congressman and indicated he planned to continue with his re-election campaign this fall in his district, which includes the entire New York City borough of Staten Island and parts of Brooklyn.
Grimm said Tuesday he resigned from his committee seat because he doesn't want his legal battles to be a "distraction" to the committee's work.
"It's a very important committee. I'm completely committed to it. This is temporary, and I'll be back on the committee soon as this is over," he said.
The congressman said his colleagues "have been great," and he believes their support will "continue."
Asked if he would be willing to take a leave of absence if so requested by House GOP leadership, Grimm said he would not consider that as an option.
"I'm not taking a leave of absence," he said. "I'm here to work and that's what I'm going to continue to do."
While Grimm says he's back to work, he was not seen at the weekly House GOP conference on Tuesday–a meeting he typically attends.
Boehner was pressed further Tuesday about Grimm's future and whether the speaker would support the congressman in his re-election fight this fall, but Boehner did not weigh in on the issue.
"I think all members should be held to the highest ethical standards. Mr. Grimm is under indictment. He resigned from his committee assignment. And I think he made the right decision," he said after the GOP gathering.
CNN's Paul Steinhauser contributed to this report.
Maybe the people of his district like having a successful crook representing them.
he's a republican and they are above the laws
Maybe the people of his district like having a successful crook represent them.
Him and Anthony Weiner would make a great pair (of hot hot air balloons).
Former Republican, the work they are doing to vote 50 times to get rid of ACA
Doing what they all do, he just got caught.
It is unbelievable that this guy can go right back to work, influencing the laws of the country that he has clearly violated. A true dirt bag.
Support the Grim Weiner ticket!
Grimm He's really a dem !
Maybe Gunderson call tell him what to do. Call for Nanny Koch, maybe? Hmmm, whazzat?
"Him and Anthony Weiner would make a great pair (of hot hot air balloons)."
Right, because not committing any crimes and being arraigned and indicted for (we'll see if he's convicted) committing federal crimes = totally the same thing.
The Obama administration and Eric Holder will use any resource at their disposal to make political gains. Let the process run it's course but I have no trust in this admin. I am still hung up on the IRS, hell, how about Fast and Furious Eric? Oh just call me slow.....I still have an issue with the Rev Wright.
They say never judge a book by its cover, but can you judge a crook by his or her character? I seem to remember someone acting like a thug with a NY1 reporter recently. Seriously this guy is an embarrassment to the state of NY, and especially to the borough of Staten Island. If it walks and quacks like a duck then most likely it is a duck
Lot of crooks and bad paper writers in Congress...some of them even become Presidents