Rep. John Conyers (D-MI) Retires After Allegations of Sexual Misconduct
Rep. John Conyers (D-MI) announced he is retiring after allegations of sexual misconduct on Tuesday. The Hill's Niv Elis explains the significance of this move in Washington.
Elis said this is a "really big deal," and wonders Conyers' announcement marks an incremental shift towards a zero-tolerance approach on Capitol Hill. Several women have come forward with allegations of sexual misconduct against the congressman. More claims surfaced after BuzzFeed News reported on a 2015 settlement regarding a wrongful dismissal complaint. Conyers has denied accusations of sexual misconduct.
"Stepping down because of allegations is a sign of shift in what and how Washington is dealing with sexual misconduct issues," said Elis. On Tuesday, Conyers said he is endorsing his son for his seat in Congress.
President Joe Biden has met with new House Speaker Mike Johnson at the White House. Johnson was joined by Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries as they discussed Biden's request for nearly $106 billion for Israel, Ukraine and other national security needs.
The new leader of one of the chambers of Congress that will certify the winner of next year's presidential election helped spearhead the attempt to overturn the last one, raising alarms that Republicans could try to subvert the will of the voters if they remain in power despite safeguards enacted after the 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol.
