GOP Congressman Abruptly Quits

A Texas congressman beset by a slew of sexual harassment issues is leaving office sooner than expected. Republican Blake Farenthold, who previously decided not to seek re-election, has abruptly resigned—as of 5pm Friday, reports USA Today. “While I planned on serving out the remainder of my term in Congress, I know in my heart it’s time for me to move along and look for new ways to serve," he says in a statement. Farenthold has acknowledged that he oversaw a congressional office with a frat-house atmosphere, but his biggest scandal was the revelation that he used taxpayer money to pay an $84,000 sexual harassment settlement to a former female staffer. The House ethics panel was investigating his behavior, and it's unclear whether those inquiries played a role in the quick resignation. (More Congress stories.)