Pelosi REFUSES To Call on Cuomo To Resign

"Nancy Pelosi in Ghana" (Public domain) by U.S. Embassy Ghana

On Sunday, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi repeatedly reaffirmed Sunday that she has “zero tolerance” for sexual harassment. However, she fell short of calling on New York Governor Andrew Cuomo to resign. 

Pelosi began her statement during an appearance on ABC’s interview by saying, “I said there’s zero tolerance for sexual harassment and we have taken measures in the House of Representatives – very strong measures – under the leadership of Representative Jackie Speier of California.” 

On Tuesday next week, Rep. Jackie Speier (D-CA) will chair a hearing of the House Armed Services Military Personnel Subcommittee to examine ways to reform sexual harassment allegations in the military following the murder of Fort Hood soldier Vanessa Guillen.

In reference to Cuomo, Pelosi continued, “What I said at the time that these revelations came forward, I said what these women have said must be treated with respect, they are credible and serious charges, and that I called for an investigation.”

Pelosi also added that she has confidence in the work of the New York Attorney General, stating that James had called for an “expeditious investigation, and again with all the respect in the world for what these women have come forth and said.”

“Again, no, no tolerance. No tolerance,” she said. “This is a subject very near and dear to my heart. No tolerance for sexual harassment. Let the world know that.”

However, after making these statements, Pelosi started to attempt to distance herself from the New York governor’s dealings.

The ABC host George Stephanopoulos pressed, “But you’re not calling on him to resign right now?” 

Pelosi tried to avoid answering the confrontation and instead stated, “I think we should see the results of the investigation… but he may decide.” She continued, “And hopefully this result will be soon. What I’m saying is the governor should look inside his heart – he loves New York – to see if he can govern effectively. And that could be one of the considerations that he has.”

Both Democratic senators from New York, Kirsten Gillibrand, and Chuck Schumer have joined the growing number of lawmakers calling Cuomo to resign as a seventh woman came forward and accused the governor of the same allegations – sexual harassment. 

In addition to this, there are nearly 90% of New York’s congressional delegation has called for the resignation or impeachment of Cuomo. 

The state Assembly started last week what could be the first step toward impeachment of Cuomo by opening an investigation with full subpoena power into sexual misconduct accusations against the New York governor and his alleged mishandling of COVID-19 cases at nursing homes.

Democratic Assemblyman Ron Kim also said in a statement, “The Democratic Conference is taking the first step toward impeachment by opening an investigation with full subpoena power to obtain facts and testimonies under oath.”

Kim added, “Some members, including myself, argued that we had enough admission to proceed with impeachment today, but the conference is leaning toward setting up the process and structure toward impeachment.”

Despite the string of scandals, Cuomo has reiterated that he will not resign. He has also denied allegations of sexual misconduct. 

New York Attorney General Letitia James is currently investigating the sexual harassment allegations against Cuomo. In addition to this, the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Brooklyn are also investigating the admission that the Cuomo administration made concerning underreporting thousands of Coronavirus nursing home deaths over the summer.

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