ALBANY – State Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie (D, New York), Thursday, authorized the As
sembly Judiciary Committee to begin an impeachment investigation to exam allegations of misconduct against Governor Andrew Cuomo.
Heastie’s action came after meeting with the Assembly majority conference earlier in the day.
Cuomo has been accused of inappropriate behavior by six women, the last of whom claimed he slipped his hand under her blouse and groped her in his office.
He has denied ever inappropriately touching anyone and apologized if any of his language was offense to anyone.
Heastie said the accusations against the governor are “serious.”
The Assembly leader said the Judiciary Committee “will have the authority to interview witnesses, subpoena documents and evaluate evidence, as is allowed by the New York State Constitution.”
Heastie said the inquiry will not interfere with the independent investigation being conducted by State Attorney General Letitia James’ office.
Two local Assemblymen, members of the Republican minority, were quick to react to Heastie’s announcement. Both Karl Brabenec (R, Deerpark) and Colin Schmitt (R, New Windsor), welcomed the announcement.
Schmitt said his GOP colleagues and he have been calling for an investigation into the governor’s actions with regard to COVID-19 deaths of nursing home residents. “Now, coupled with numerous allegations of sexual harassment, misconduct, and assault, the time for waiting is over,” Schmitt said.
“This is the first step and the correct way to go about holding Governor Cuomo accountable,” said Brabenec. “If the Judiciary Committee finds evidence that the governor is guilty of any of these acts, he must either resign or be removed from office.”
