Rep. Eric Massa, D-N.Y., who is under investigation by the House Ethics committee for allegedly sexually harassing a male staffer, has announced he will resign immediately rather than serve out the rest of his term. He had announced his retirement earlier this year.
The effect of Massa’s resignation on the health care bill is hard to determine. He voted against the House version of health care reform the first time around, complaining that it did not go far enough. However, he was also an excellent candidate to switch under pressure and support the Senate bill when House leaders try to ram it through later this month.
Massa’s sudden departure also means there are four vacant seats in the House. This means that 216 votes are enough to form an absolute majority and pass health care reform, and only 214 of those originally voting “no” are in the House today.
