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Commerce Secretary Resigns After Suffering Seizure

In a letter to Commerce Department employees, Secretary John Bryson resigned his post after health concerns were first raised nearly two weeks ago. Bryson, who was appointed by President Obama in 2011, had taken a leave of absence following an incident in Los Angeles where he struck several cars and was cited for a hit-and-run, but was not charged after it was revealed he had suffered a seizure. Dr. Rebecca Blank, the Deputy Secretary of Commerce, will assume the role of acting secretary. Bryson’s confirmation by the Senate in 2011 was a hard-fought battle for the White House, as Republicans voiced objections over Bryson’s strong ties to the environmental community. President Obama issued a statement this morning on the news: “Last night I accepted the resignation of John Bryson as Secretary of the Department of Commerce. I want to extend my deepest thanks and appreciation to John for his service over the past months, and wish him and his family the very best.”

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