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New York state lawmakers on Monday announced that the investigation would continue into incumbent Governor Andrew Cuomo, three days and a flurry of backlash after initially saying impeachment proceedings would end with his resignation.
“The Assembly Judiciary Committee will continue to review the evidence and issue a final report on its investigation of Governor Cuomo,” said New York State Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and the President of the Assembly Judiciary Charles Lavine, both Democrats, in a joint statement.
CUOMO’S IMPEACHMENT PROCEDURE SUSPENDED BY NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY
“In doing so, the committee will take all appropriate steps to ensure that this effort does not interfere with the various ongoing investigations by the United States Attorney into nursing home data; the Attorney General regarding the briefs of the governor; and local law enforcement authorities in five jurisdictions – Manhattan, Albany, Westchester, Nassau and Oswego – regarding possible criminal incidents of sexual misconduct, “they said.
The Democratic governor resigned last week amid multiple scandals, including allegations he sexually harassed several women during his tenure. He will be replaced by Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul on August 24.
Heastie came under fire last week after announcing that the governor’s resignation triggered a decision to stay the impeachment process against him.
“There are two reasons for the decision,” Heastie said in a statement Friday. “First, the purpose of the Assembly Judiciary Committee’s impeachment inquiry was to determine whether Governor Cuomo should remain in office. The governor’s resignation responds to this directive. Second, we have been briefed by President Lavine – with the help of a lawyer – of the belief that the constitution does not authorize the legislature to remove and remove an elected official who is no longer in office. “
The initial move drew backlash from Republicans and Democrats.
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“The decision by the Assembly Democrats to put the impeachment inquiry on hold reeks of a shady deal to protect Andrew Cuomo,” said New York State Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt. “Resignation is not a responsibility. Democrats have not only failed in their constitutional responsibilities – they have failed the countless governor’s casualties in nursing homes, the brave women who have stepped forward to tell their story and to those who believe in honest and transparent government. “
“Taxpayers paid for this investigation, and I think taxpayers deserve to see what the Assembly has found,” tweeted Democratic State Senator Sean Ryan. “Release all evidence to the public. “
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