WASHINGTON – Rep. Paul Cook (R-Apple Valley) announced that he will resign from Congress today in order to take his seat on the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors. Following his resignation as the U.S. Representative for California’s 8th District, Cook will be sworn in as the 1st District Supervisor for San Bernardino County.
Cook issued the following statement:
“Serving the people of the Eighth Congressional District has been one of the greatest honors of my life. While there have been many partisan battles, there have also been important bipartisan successes that don’t get as much attention.
“I’m particularly proud of the work we’ve accomplished for our veterans, ensuring our nation’s heroes receive the benefits they deserve and that we properly honor their service to our country. My HIRE Vets Act, which was signed into law nearly 4 years ago, recognizes and promotes businesses that have proven their commitment to hiring and retaining our veterans, and the Education Equity Act ensures that veterans can afford housing while using their educational benefits.
“As a member of the Armed Services Committee, year after year I was able to come together with my colleagues from both parties to pass essential national security legislation. When I came to Congress, over a decade of war had combined with the sequester to leave our military weakened and our troops at risk. Over the past eight years, I worked with my colleagues to end the sequester, providing crucial funding for our servicemembers and ensuring they have the training and equipment they need to keep our nation safe.
“I’m also proud of what we’ve accomplished with respect to passing landmark public lands legislation, protecting and preserving majestic lands for future generations to enjoy. The California Desert Protection and Recreation Act established the nation’s first series of congressionally-designated Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Areas, established the Alabama Hills National Scenic Area, set aside new areas as wilderness, and expanded our desert national parks. Additionally, I joined with my colleagues on the Natural Resources Committee to provide new funding to resolve the maintenance backlog at our national parks and public lands.
“I want to thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for their service, their assistance, and their friendship. It was a privilege to work with so many people who are passionate about service to our country and communities. I hope we will see a renewed commitment to working together to find bipartisan solutions for our great nation.
“Finally, I want to express my gratitude to my constituents for giving me the opportunity to represent them in Congress for the last eight years, and I look forward to continuing to serve many of them as their county supervisor.”
Rep. Cook began his service to our nation in 1966 when he joined the U.S. Marine Corps. He served in Vietnam, earning two Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star. After 26 years in the Marine Corps, he retired as a Colonel and continued his service as a Town Councilman, Mayor, and then as a California State Assemblyman. He was first elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2012 and served in Congress for four terms, before winning election to the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors in March of this year.