There are standards of behavior that we require in all settings. Public officials should be held to a higher standard. I have supported the Attorney General’s full independent investigation as the appropriate process. Allegations such as these should be taken very seriously and investigated thoroughly.

When charges of this kind are made within legislative offices, the current process is for independent investigation and then sanction and removal if the charges are verified. There can be no tolerance for harassment or abuse in our society.

I support our Assembly Majority Conference decision today to institute our own impeachment investigation through the Assembly Judiciary Committee. The newest accusations make it clear that the Assembly will need to do our own evaluation of allegations. The Attorney General has indicated that this step will not interfere with her investigation.

Statement from Speaker Carl Heastie on Authorizing Assembly Judiciary Committee to Begin Impeachment Investigation into Governor Cuomo

After meeting with the Assembly Majority Conference today, I am authorizing the Assembly Judiciary Committee to begin an impeachment investigation, led by Chair Charles D. Lavine, to examine allegations of misconduct against Governor Cuomo.

The reports of accusations concerning the governor are serious. The committee will have the authority to interview witnesses, subpoena documents and evaluate evidence, as is allowed by the New York State Constitution. I have the utmost faith that Assemblymember Lavine and the members of the committee will conduct an expeditious, full and thorough investigation.