GOP Rep. Tom Reed resigns from Congress after sexual misconduct accusations

New York Republican Rep. Tom Reed announced he is resigning from Congress on Tuesday, cutting his term a few months short after being accused of sexual misconduct in March 2021.

"It has been an honor to serve with you all from both parties. I love this institution as it still exemplifies what is best about our government," he said on the House floor.

Former lobbyist Nicolette Davis told The Washington Post last year that Reed touched her back and unhooked her bra without consent while he was drunk in a bar in 2017. The congressman apologized several days later, blamed the incident on his alcohol addiction, and said he would not run for reelection in 2022.

Reed, who has served almost 12 years as the representative for New York's 23rd District, plans on joining the government relations firm Prime Policy Group.

"While I am proud that we put people before politics, there is much more to do. I am leaving to continue that work and hope to have a greater impact on our country," he said on Tuesday.

A moderate Republican, Reed also included a warning about extremism in his farewell speech.

"I believe the current focus on extremism demands us to heed the words of Abraham Lincoln uttered years ago as we face a similar threat to our existence today, 'A house divided cannot stand,' but I add a house united will not fail," Reed noted.