Congressman Blake Farenthold announces resignation amid sex harassment scandal

April 06--Disgraced Congressman Blake Farenthold announced his resignation from Congress Friday.

"Since being elected to Congress in 2010, I've worked to make government more efficient and responsive, cut government spending, repeal Obamacare, protect life and reduce the debt," the Texas Republican said in a statement.

"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 said.

The embattled politician's resignation comes after it was revealed that he used $84,000 in taxpayer money to settle a sexual harassment claim made against him by his former communications director Lauren Greene.

Greene alleged that Farenthold admitted to having "wet dreams" about her -- claims that he denied.

His resignation is effective at 5:00 p.m. Friday, April 6.

"Leaving my service in the House, I'm able to look back at the entirety of my career in public office and say that it was well worthwhile," he said.

Farenthold pledged to pay back taxpayers, but he has yet to shell out the funds.

The House Ethics Committee has launched investigations into the sexual misconduct allegations and his possible misuse of House resources. It is also investigating whether or not he made false statements in his testimony to the Committee.

The Congressman appeared to have deleted his Twitter account concurrent with the announcement Friday.

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