John Bryson resigning as US commerce secretary

FILE - In this February 23, 2012 file photo, Secretary of Commerce John Bryson speaks about privacy at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building in Washington. Bryson says he is resigning after suffering a seizure earlier this month in the Los Angeles area. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta) Show caption
FILE - In this February 23, 2012 file photo, Secretary of Commerce John Bryson speaks about privacy at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building in Washington. Bryson says he is resigning after suffering a seizure earlier this month in the Los Angeles area. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)

Associated Press

June 21, 2012

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WASHINGTON (AP) — 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.