Rep. Chris Collins (R-N.Y.) on Tuesday said Valentine's Day is the reason many Republicans have so far been quiet about the resignation of national security adviser Michael Flynn.

"It's Valentine's Day, and I guess they're having breakfast with their wives," Collins said on CNN's "New Day."

"Really, all I can say is, I'm sorry to see Gen. Flynn go. I don't know the details of what transpired."

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Collins praised Flynn as a "great American" who's "very loyal" to President Trump.

"He has stepped down, obviously something he felt was in the best interests of his country," Collins said.

"I certainly respect that, but I know I live in the world. We move on from here. I'm not going to be one, nor would I hope others, dwell on the situation or pile on, to use another term. I think it's just time to move on, find a replacement."

Flynn resigned late Monday after reports emerged that he misled senior White House officials about his conversations with Russia.

His future in the White House had come under speculation since reports surfaced last week that he talked about sanctions against Russia with the country's ambassador before Trump was sworn in.

Flynn blamed his resignation late Monday on the "fast pace of events" that led him to "inadvertently" give Vice President Pence and others "incomplete information" about his phone conversations with Russia's ambassador to the U.S.

He apologized to the president and vice president and said the two had accepted his apology.