Michigan congressman John Conyers on Sunday announced he was stepping aside as the ranking member of the House Judiciary Committee, CNN reported. Conyers, a Democrat, made the announcement as a congressional investigation continued into sexual harassment and workplace abuse allegations by his former staffers.
“After careful consideration and in light of the attention drawn by recent allegations made against me, I have notified the Democratic Leader of my request to step aside as Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee during the investigation of these matters,” Conyers said in a statement Sunday afternoon.
“I deny these allegations, many of which were raised by documents reportedly paid for by a partisan alt-right blogger,” the statement continued. “I very much look forward to vindicating myself and my family before the House Committee on Ethics.”
House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi said Sunday that “zero tolerance means consequences.”
"I have asked for an ethics investigation, and as that investigation continues, Congressman Conyers has agreed to step aside as ranking member," Pelosi said.
New York Rep. Jerrold Nadle said in a statement that the committee "must move forward," CNN reported.
"I will do everything in my power to continue to press on the important issues facing our committee, including criminal justice reform, workplace equality, and holding the Trump Administration accountable,” Nadle said in his statement. “Ranking member Conyers has a 50-year legacy of advancing the cause of justice, and my job moving forward is to continue that critical work.”