Arizona Rep. Trent Franks Expected to Resign [Updated]

Roll Call is reporting that Rep. Trent Franks (R-Arizona) is expected to resign today amid rumors of “inappropriate” behavior.

“There’s been rumors swirling around him for years, at least in 2012,” a Republican source told Roll Call. “And if this turns out to be true, there won’t be that many people who are surprised.”

Rep. Franks is a vehemently anti-abortion and anti-Planned Parenthood member of the House Freedom Caucus who considers abortion “the greatest genocide known to mankind in the history of this planet.” He introduced the 20-week abortion ban that passed the House in October, and once argued that “the incidence of rape resulting in pregnancy are very low.” He has also said that marriage equality is “a threat to the nation’s survival.”

Franks told Roll Call that he will be releasing a statement. This post will be updated.

Update Dec 7. 9:00 pm:

Republican Rep. Trent Franks of Arizona announced his resignation Thursday evening, saying the decision came after he learned the House Ethics Committee was looking into allegations that he’d discussed surrogacy with two female staffers. Franks wrote in his statement:

“I have recently learned that the Ethics Committee is reviewing an inquiry regarding my discussion of surrogacy with two previous female subordinates, making each feel uncomfortable. I deeply regret that my discussion of this option and process in the workplace caused distress.”

And, later:

“It is with the greatest sadness, that for the sake of the causes I deeply love, I must now step back from the battle I have spent over three decades fighting. I hope my resignation will remain distinct from the great gains we have made. My time in Congress serving my constituents, America and the Constitution is and will remain one of God’s greatest gift to me in life.”

Franks’ resignation will go into effect January 31, 2018, according to his statement.