John Gress/Reuters
Rep. John Conyers (D-MI) announced on Sunday that he was vacating his perch as the ranking member of the House Judiciary Committee, as the embattled congressman faces multiple allegations of sexual misconduct, harassment and verbal abuse. “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. The longtime congressman has denied the allegations against him. Earlier Sunday, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) called Conyers an “icon” who has “done a great deal to protect women,” and urged “due process.” Rep. Kathleen Rice (D-N.Y.) is the only House Democrat to have called for Conyers’ resignation. “No matter how great an individual’s legacy, it is not a license for harassment,” Pelosi said in a statement shortly after Conyers’ announcement.