WASHINGTON -- Rep. Randy "Duke" Cunningham's resignation letter was formally submitted to the House of Representatives Tuesday afternoon.

Reading clerk, Paul Hays, read the letter to members of Congress. A portion of the letter read:

I am resigning from the House of Representatives because I have discredited my high office and the party that I love.

Not only have I compromised the trust of my constituents, I have mislead my family, friends, colleagues, staff and even myself.

Mr. Speaker, I have the upmost respect for you and our colleagues and I am deeply sorry I have shamed our great institution in this way. Please accept my resignation as one of the many steps I'll take to atone for my crimes.

Cunningham resigned last week after pleading guilty to taking $2.4 million in bribes to steer business to defense contractors.