From his press shop:

(Washington, D.C.) House Speaker Dennis Hastert (R-IL) today released the following statement regarding Rep. Tom Delay (R-TX):
“I respect Congressman Tom DeLay’s judgment to step down as Majority Leader of the House of Representatives. It is an honorable decision and the right decision for the House Republican Conference. I thank him for his years of hard work and service dedicated to the House Republican Conference agenda for the American people. Our success in lowering taxes, creating jobs, growing the economy and providing effective national security was helped by Tom Delay’s leadership. We expect that Tom will continue to help House Republicans succeed with our agenda as we moved forward this year.
“In consultation with House Republican Conference Chairman Deborah Pryce, we will determine the date for the election of the majority leader vacancy. I expect the election will be held during the week when the House of Representatives returns for the State of the Union on January 31, 2005. We have a bold vision for the American people that includes, building better lives for families by growing the economy, creating jobs, restraining spending and reducing the tax burden. That agenda will continue.”