Days after New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo resigned in disgrace after an investigation concluded that he had sexually harassed multiple women, the state’s Assembly speaker announced that impeachment proceedings against him have been suspended.
Impeachment Proceedings Against Cuomo Suspended
Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, a Democrat, explained that Cuomo resignation is what triggered the move to suspend the impeachment proceedings.
“There are two reasons for the decision,” Heastie said, according to Fox News. “First, the purpose of the Assembly Judiciary Committee’s impeachment investigation was to determine whether Governor Cuomo should remain in office.”
Related: Biden: Andrew Cuomo Did A ‘Hell Of A Job’ As Governor
“The governor’s resignation answers that directive. Second, we have been advised by Chair Lavine – with the assistance of counsel – of the belief that the constitution does not authorize the legislature to impeach and remove an elected official who is no longer in office,” he added.
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Republicans Fire Back
Cuomo resigned earlier this week, with him officially leaving office in two weeks. Some are not happy about the decision to suspend the impeachment proceedings.
“The decision from Assembly Democrats to suspend the impeachment investigation reeks of a shady deal to protect Andrew Cuomo,” said New York state Senate Republican leader Rob Ortt. “Resignation is not accountability.”
“The Democrats not only failed in their constitutional responsibilities – they failed the Governor’s countless victims in nursing homes, brave women who came forward to tell their stories, and those who believe in honest and transparent government,” he continued.
Related: Janice Dean Responds After Andrew Cuomo Resigns – ‘I Want Justice’
Cuomo resigned after New York attorney general Letitia James released a 165-page report based on allegations from 11 different complainants that concluded he sexually harassed women.
“New York tough means New York loving, and I love New York and I love you,” Cuomo said as he resigned. “I would never want to be unhelpful in any way, and I think given the circumstances, the best way I can help now is if I step aside and let government get back to governing, and therefore, that’s what I’ll do.”
Cuomo is set to be replaced by New York Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul on August 24, and she has already announced that she will be running for re-election next year.
This piece was written by James Samson on August 13, 2021. It originally appeared in LifeZette and is used by permission.
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