The top Republican in the US House of Representatives, Paul Ryan, has decided to retire when his term ends, paving the way for a new Republican leadership in the Congress next year.
Citing family reasons for his decision, Ryan clarified that he is not resigning and that he would serve the rest of the term till early January next year.
"I am announcing that this year will be my last one as a member of the House," Ryan told reporters at a news conference.
"I will be retiring in January, leaving this majority in good hands with what I believe is a very bright future," said the Speaker who in 2015 had invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his highly successful joint address to the US Congress.
President Donald Trump paid tribute to Ryan as "a truly good man."