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House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthyKevin McCarthyMcConnell, McCarthy defend Justice Thomas amid ethics scrutiny Five takeaways from the House GOP’s annual retreat McCarthy, Pelosi call on convicted Republican lawmaker to resign MORE (R-Calif.) and Speaker Nancy PelosiNancy PelosiFlorida restaurant cancels ‘going to prison’ party for Jan. 6 rioter seen with Pelosi’s lectern McCarthy, Pelosi call on convicted Republican lawmaker to resign The Hill’s Morning Report – Tensions rise at Jackson hearing MORE (D-Calif.) both said Friday that Rep. Jeff FortenberryJeffrey (Jeff) Lane FortenberryMcCarthy, Pelosi call on convicted Republican lawmaker to resign Rep. Fortenberry found guilty of lying to FBI Lawyers: Indicted GOP lawmaker was confused, did not lie to FBI agents MORE (R-Neb.) should resign from Congress in light of his being convicted on three felony charges connected to his statements to the FBI about illegal campaign contributions.
“He had his day in court. I think if he wants to appeal, he can go do that as a private citizen,” McCarthy said in a press conference Friday from House Republicans’ annual policy retreat in Florida.
McCarthy said he texted Fortenberry on Thursday night and plans to talk to him today.
“I think when someone’s convicted, it’s time to resign,” McCarthy said.
A federal jury on Thursday found Fortenberry guilty on one count of falsifying and concealing material facts and two counts of making false statements to the FBI as agents investigated a $30,000 contribution to his campaign from Nigerian billionaire Gilbert Chagoury. Each count carries up to five years in prison.
“Congressman Fortenberry’s conviction represents a breach of the public trust and confidence in his ability to serve. No one is above the law,” Pelosi said in a statement on Friday. “Congressman Fortenberry must resign from the House.”
Fortenberry plans to appeal, he told the Nebraska Examiner.
Rep. Anna EshooAnna Georges EshooMcCarthy, Pelosi call on convicted Republican lawmaker to resign Pfizer halts Russian clinical trials, will donate profits from Russia business A new agency to accelerate biomedical science can succeed, under the right conditions MORE (D-Calif.) testified on Fortenberry’s behalf during the trial, praising his character. Former Rep. Trey GowdyTrey GowdyMcCarthy, Pelosi call on convicted Republican lawmaker to resign Trey Gowdy sets goal of avoiding ideological echo chamber with Fox News show Fox News signs Trey Gowdy, Dan Bongino for new shows MORE (R-S.C.) also testified on Fortenberry’s behalf.
Fortenberry stepped down from his committee posts in October after he was indicted.
It is typical for members of Congress to resign after being convicted of a felony. Most recently, former Rep. Duncan HunterDuncan HunterMcCarthy, Pelosi call on convicted Republican lawmaker to resign Trump denies Gaetz asked him for blanket pardon Gaetz, on the ropes, finds few friends in GOP MORE (R-Calif.) resigned from Congress in 2020 after pleading guilty to misusing campaign funds. Former President TrumpDonald Trump Feds approve sale of Trump DC hotel to Miami investment fund Trump, sons agree to be deposed in fraudulent marketing suit McConnell, McCarthy defend Justice Thomas amid ethics scrutiny MORE later pardoned Hunter.
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