House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., Repeatedly reaffirmed on Sunday that she has “zero tolerance” for sexual harassment – but did not actually ask for the resignation of New York Governor Andrew Cuomo.
Both New York’s American Democratic senators – Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand – have joined the growing chorus of lawmakers who ask Cuomo to step down when the seventh woman comes forward accusing the governor of some form of sexual harassment or improper touch.
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“I said there is zero tolerance for sexual harassment and we took action in the House of Representatives – very strong measures – under the leadership of Representative Jackie Speier of California,” began Pelosi during an appearance on ABC’s “This Week” program.
Speier, D-Calif., Will chair a hearing of the House Armed Services Military Personnel Subcommittee on Tuesday to examine ways to reform allegations of sexual harassment in the armed forces after the murder of Private Vanessa Guillen of Fort Hood.
Pelosi, referring to Cuomo, continued: “What I said at the time these revelations emerged, said that what these women said should be treated with respect, are credible and serious accusations and that I called an investigation.”
New York Attorney General Letitia James is investigating allegations of harassment, and Cuomo said he will “fully cooperate” with her investigation. The FBI and the US Attorney’s Office in Brooklyn are also investigating their government’s admission that it underreported thousands of deaths in COVID-19 nursing homes over the summer.
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“I have confidence in the attorney general of New York – she asked, I think, for a quick investigation and, again, with all the respect in the world for what these women came and said,” said Pelosi on Sunday, before that, tried to distance himself. at the New York State Congress on Negotiations. “In terms of … see, you’re talking about New Yorkers now … in general terms, people have to look inside themselves and say, and Governor Cuomo too, ‘how affected is your leadership in the leadership of the state in the circumstances that exist? ‘ But I think women deserve to hear the results of these investigations, as well as the governor. ”
“Again, no, without tolerance. Without tolerance,” she said. “This is a subject very close and dear to my heart. No tolerance for sexual harassment. Let the world know about it.”
“But aren’t you asking him to resign now?” ABC presenter George Stephanopoulos pressed.
“I think we should see the results of the investigation … but he can decide,” replied Pelosi. “And I hope that result will be soon. What I’m saying is that the governor should look into his heart – he loves New York – to see if he can govern effectively. And that could be one of the considerations he has.”
Nearly 90% of the New York Congressional delegation called for the governor’s resignation or impeachment, as well as more than 80% of state senators. Last week, the State Assembly began what could be the first step towards impeachment, opening an investigation with full subpoena power over allegations of sexual misconduct against the governor and how he handled COVID-19 in nursing homes. .
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James does not have the power to remove Cuomo from office, but any findings that corroborate the allegations could influence a possible impeachment process – or add pressure for Cuomo to leave voluntarily. There is no deadline to complete the investigation and James did not say how long she expects it to take.
Audrey Conklin of Fox News contributed to this report.