U.S. President Barack Obama on Thursday said that he will accept the resignation of Commerce Secretary John Bryson.

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“Last night I accepted the resignation of John Bryson as Secretary of the Department of Commerce. I want to extend my deepest thanks and appreciation to John for his service over the past months, and wish him and his family the very best,” Obama said in a statement released by the White House Press Office.

“As Secretary, John fought tirelessly for our nation’s businesses and workers, helping to bolster our exports and promote American manufacturing and products at home and abroad. John has proven himself an effective and distinguished leader throughout his career in both the public and private sectors, from his success in the business world to his work leading on issues in the renewable energy industry,” Obama said.

The president said that Dr. Rebecca Blank will serve as Acting Secretary of Commerce.

Obama and Bryson are set to meet later Thursday afternoon at the White House to "thank him for his service," the press office said.

Bryson has been under investigation for his role in two car crashes earlier this month. In a letter to other employees of the department, Bryson said he wanted to "prevent distractions."

He took a medical leave last week in order to undergo tests after suffering a seizure connected to two traffic accidents in the Los Angeles area.