Washington, Nov 8 - House Majority Leader John Boehner (R-OH) issued the following statement today after President Bush announced the resignation of Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld:

“Donald Rumsfeld has served the President ably and admirably throughout his term as Secretary of Defense. His aggressive pursuit of the Global War on Terror has been exactly what America needs in the post-9/11 world. His vision and his passion will be missed.

“I want to thank Secretary Rumsfeld for his service and I look forward to working with President Bush’s new choice for Secretary, Robert Gates, on efforts to strengthen national security and keep America safe.”