Three hours after his shirtless Craigslist antics appeared on this site, Rep. Chris Lee (R-NY) announced his resignation from the U.S. House of Representatives. Moments ago his office sent the following press release to the media:

For Immediate Release: Wednesday, February 9, 2010

Statement from Congressman Chris Lee (NY-26):

"It has been a tremendous honor to serve the people of Western New York. I regret the harm that my actions have caused my family, my staff and my constituents. I deeply and sincerely apologize to them all. I have made profound mistakes and I promise to work as hard as I can to seek their forgiveness.

"The challenges we face in Western New York and across the country are too serious for me to allow this distraction to continue, and so I am announcing that I have resigned my seat in Congress effective immediately."

The reading of Lee's resignation on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives today is on your left.

Previously:

Married GOP Congressman Sent Sexy Pictures to Craigslist Babe