House Republicans push Fortenberry to quit after federal corruption conviction

Nebraska Rep. Jeff Fortenberry is facing calls to resign from fellow Republicans after he was convicted on three felony counts of lying to the FBI about a 2016 foreign campaign contribution.

Under House rules, Fortenberry doesn't have to resign. Sitting members convicted of an offense resulting in two or more years of imprisonment need only "refrain from participation in the business of each committee of which he is a member, and a member should refrain from voting on any question on the floor of the House until his or her presumption of innocence is restored, or until the individual is reelected to Congress.”

But Fortenberry staying in Congress is unlikely in practical terms.

House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy said on Friday that Fortenberry should resign from the 1st Congressional District seat he first won in 2004, based in Lincoln and including most of the eastern third of the state outside the immediate Omaha area.

REP. JEFF FORTENBERRY FEDERAL CORRUPTION TRIAL OPENS AS GOP RIVAL VIES FOR SEAT

"I think he had his day in court. I think if he wants to appeal, he can go do that as a private citizen," McCarthy said at the House Republican retreat in Florida, adding that he plans to speak with Fortenberry today. "But I think when someone's convicted, it's time to resign."

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi also urged Fortenberry to resign.

“Congressman Fortenberry’s conviction represents a breach of the public trust and confidence in his ability to serve," the California Democrat said Friday. "No one is above the law. Congressman Fortenberry must resign from the House.”

Lawmakers of either party could move to expel Fortenberry from the House if he doesn't resign, which would take a two-thirds majority to succeed. Fortenberry already stepped down from his committee assignments after he was indicted in October. Each of the three counts Fortenberry was convicted of carries a maximum of five years in prison, and his sentencing is scheduled for June. Fortenberry has said he will appeal the conviction.

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Fortenberry already faces a strong challenge from state Sen. Mike Flood in the May 10 Republican primary.