House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D., Calif.) called on beleaguered Democratic Rep. John Conyers (Mich.) to resign on Thursday after previously coming to his defense in the wake of sexual harassment allegations.
During a press briefing, Pelosi was asked if she now believes Conyers should step down following the congressman's hospitalization and as pressure for his resignation has increased.
"I pray for Congressman Conyers and his family and wish them well," Pelosi said. "However, Congressman Conyers should resign."
Pelosi received backlash after initially defending Conyers on "Meet the Press." On Monday, she backtracked from her initial comments after meeting with accuser Melanie Sloan. Pelosi then called the congressman's behavior "unacceptable and disappointing."
The new call form Pelosi comes after it was announced Thursday morning that Conyers had been hospitalized due to stress-related issues.
"Monica Conyers, Mrs. Conyers, is by his side and we just ask, really the nation, to pray for this congressman that has done so much for the nation," said family spokesperson Sam Riddle, who did not elaborate on what the congressman is suffering from beyond stress.
Conyers originally denied the accusations earlier in November before stepping down as ranking member of the House Judiciary Committee.
"Zero tolerance means consequences for everyone no matter how great the legacy," Pelosi added on Thursday.