Rep. Brenda Lawrence said Friday that she’s focused on changing sexual harassment policy in Congress rather than calling on Rep. John Conyers to step down.
“It’s Mr. Conyers’ decision, but it’s our responsibility to investigate. He is still a member of Congress, and I am going to stay focused on saying — the women who have had the courage to come forward — that they’re heard,” Ms. Lawrence, Michigan Democrat, said on CNN.
Mr. Conyers, also a Michigan Democrat, was accused of inappropriately touching a former staffer while she worked for him and eventually paid a settlement for his actions using taxpayer money. He has refused to step down so far, but the 88-year-old was hospitalized this week for a “stress-related” incident.
Ms. Lawrence said she’d like to see a swifter process to remove members of Congress who are accused of misconduct.
“I think there should be a higher standard for us as elected officials,” Ms. Lawrence said.
But she continued to refuse to call for Mr. Conyers to resign when pressed about the issue, however, saying that she wants to see him out of the hospital and allow him the time to step down.
• Sally Persons can be reached at spersons@washingtontimes.com.
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