Commerce secretary resigns

Commerce Secretary John Bryson submitted his resignation to President Barack Obama on June 20, the president said in a statement June 21.

“As secretary, John fought tirelessly for our nation’s businesses and workers, helping to bolster our exports and promote American manufacturing and products at home and abroad,” Obama said in the statement. "John has proven himself an effective and distinguished leader throughout his career in both the public and private sectors, from his success in the business world to his work leading on issues in the renewable-energy industry.”

Deputy Secretary Rebecca Blank will serve as acting secretary in Bryson’s place.

Bryson told Obama on June 11 he was taking a medical leave of absence to attend to his ongoing health issues.

USA Today reported June 21 Bryson cited the seizure he suffered June 9 as his reason for his decision to step down. In a letter to the president, Bryson wrote the seizure would be “a distraction from my performance as secretary.”