Senator delays India ambassador post amid investigation into his knowledge of sexual misconduct

Los Angeles Mayor and candidate for US Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti, is facing a delay in his confirmation as an investigation is carried out regarding his alleged knowledge of multiple sexual misconduct incidents – and his failure to address them – during his time as Mayor.

Iowa Republican Sen. Joni Ernst said this week she would delay the confirmation hearing for Garcetti until the investigation into the alleged sexual misconduct and Garcetti’s knowledge of it is complete.

The Democrat mayor has been accused of possibly covering up repeated sexual harassment incidents by his closest advisor, Rick Jacobs.

Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) had previously called for a delay on Garcetti’s confirmation after his office received word of Garcetti’s possible knowledge and failure to act upon Jacobs’ alleged transgressions. Grassley’s office has been conducting an investigation into the claims since.

The “hold” that Ernst and Grassley have put on the confirmation does not prevent it from happening, but does add extra steps to the already exhaustive Senate confirmation process. Garcetti has been awaiting confirmation since July last year.