Over the last few weeks, a number of women have come forward to talk about how they felt my actions had affected them.
I was shocked.
I was upset.
But in responding to their claims, I also wanted to be respectful.
Of that broader conversation.
Because all women deserve to be heard and their experiences taken seriously.
I think that was the right thing to do.
I also think it gave some people the false impression that I was admitting.
To doing things that in fact I haven't done.
Some of the allegations against me are simply not true.
Others I remember very differently.
I said at the outset that the ethics committee was the right venue for these allegations to be heard Investigated and evaluated on their merits that I was prepared to corporate fully and that I was confident in the outcome.
You know, important part on the conversation we've been having last few months.
Has been about how men abuse their power, and privilege, to hurt women.
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I am proud that during my time in the Senate I have used my power to be a champion of women And that I've earned reputation as someone who respects the women I worked alongside everyday.
I know there's been a very different picture of me painted over the last few weeks but I know who I really am.
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Serving in the United States Senate has been the great honor of my life.
I know in my heart that nothing I have done as a senator, nothing has brought dishonor on this institution.
And i am confident that the ethics committee would agree.
Nevertheless, today i am announcing that in the coming weeks, I will be resigning as member of the United States senate
