Bryson Resigning As Commerce Secretary

Commerce Secretary John Bryson says he is resigning after suffering a seizure earlier this month in the Los Angeles area.

President Barack Obama said in a statement that he has accepted the resignation and thanks Bryson for the "invaluable experience and expertise" he brought to the administration.

Bryson wrote in a letter to Obama that he is concerned his seizure "could be a distraction" from his performance as secretary and says the nation would be better served by "a change in leadership" at the department.

“This is a critical period for our country’s economy. We must each day continue to support the growth of America’s businesses, export, and manufacturing and the vitally important jobs they create . . . Our country would be better served by a change in leadership of the Department," Bryson wrote.

Earlier this month, Bryson transferred his functions and duties as secretary to Deputy Secretary Rebecca Blank, who is now acting commerce secretary.