June 21, 2012

Commerce Secretary John Bryson says he is
resigning after suffering a seizure earlier this month in the Los
Angeles area.

President Barack Obama says in a statement that he has accepted
the resignation and thanks Bryson for the "invaluable experience
and expertise" he brought to the administration.

Bryson says in a letter to Obama that he is concerned his
seizure "could be a distraction" from his performance as
secretary and says the nation would be better served by "a change
in leadership" at the department.

Earlier this month, Bryson transferred his functions and duties
as secretary to Deputy Secretary Rebecca Blank, who is now acting
commerce secretary.