ADVERTISEMENT

Dem Rep on Why He's Not Calling for Conyers' Resignation: 'Calling for the Resignation of Someone Does Not Create the Resignation'

November 29, 2017

Reps. Linda Sanchez (D., Calif.) and Joe Crowley (D., N.Y.) were pressed on Wednesday to explain why they are not calling on fellow Democratic Rep. John Conyers (Mich.) to resign amid multiple allegations of sexual harassment levied against him.

Speaking at a press conference on the House Democratic agenda, Crowley said that requiring sexual harassment training for all members of Congress and employees on Capitol Hill is a "good start."

"But outside of the training, though, why aren't you calling for his [Conyers'] resignation?" a reporter quickly interjected.

"Calling for the resignation of someone does not actually create the resignation," Crowley responded. He then called for an "expedited process" as the House Ethics Committee investigates Conyers, who multiple former female staffers in his office have accused of sexual harassing them.

Conyers has denied the allegations but confirmed that he did settle a sexual harassment claim with one woman for $27,000 in 2015. He recently stepped down from his role as ranking member on the House Judiciary Committee amid the accusations.

Sanchez said that the existence of multiple accusers increases her sense that "there may be something there," but quickly added that she cannot make a judgment until hearing all the evidence.

While most Democrats in Congress have avoided calling on Conyers to resign, saying that the Ethics Committee must finish its investigation, a growing number of lawmakers are putting pressure on the Michigan Democrat to step down.