U.S Congressman Mike Pence, Chairman of the House Republican Conference, issued the following statement today welcoming Rep. Parker Griffith (AL-5) to the House Republican Conference:

I am delighted to welcome Congressman Parker Griffith to the Republican Party and to the House Republican Conference.

Congressman Griffith's decision is historic because he is leaving the majority in Congress to stand with a principled, conservative minority. The men and women of the House Republican Conference will welcome him with open arms and the people of Alabama and America should admire his stand.

Congressman Griffith's historic decision should send a deafening message that the Obama-Pelosi agenda of borrowing, spending, bailouts and takeovers is being rejected by the American people.