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MI Democratic Party Says Ethics Committee Should Investigate Conyers

Former President Bill Clinton was among those honoring US Rep. John Conyers Monday at his funeral in Detroit. Conyers represented Michigan for five decades before stepping down in 2017.
Alex Brandon
/
AP

The pressure is building on Congressman John Conyers as Michigan Democrats call for a House Ethics Committee investigation into allegations of sexual harassment and using taxpayer money to cover it up. We have more from Michigan Public Radio’s Rick Pluta.

Conyers, a Detroit Democrat, has acknowledged he settled a sexual harassment complaint using his House office fund. He denies any improper behavior.  But the settlement itself, and the possibility it included paying the woman who complained for a no-show job in Conyers’ office, could violate House rules. The House has a fund for legal settlements, and lawmakers are not supposed to use their office accounts for that purpose.

Democrats are not rallying around Conyers, a civil rights movement legend and the dean of the House. The state Democratic Party issued a statement calling for a formal ethics investigation.

Rick Pluta is Senior Capitol Correspondent for the Michigan Public Radio Network. He has been covering Michigan’s Capitol, government, and politics since 1987. His journalism background includes stints with UPI, The Elizabeth (NJ) Daily Journal, The (Pontiac, MI) Oakland Press, and WJR. He is also a lifelong public radio listener.
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