The impeachment investigation into the numerous scandals facing Governor Andrew Cuomo is progressing, but some might argue not very quickly.

Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie said it is important that this investigation continue without time constraints.

“I do think it should be done expeditiously,” Speaker Heastie said. “But to say you have to come back with a decision in a week, or two weeks, or a month, would be unfair to the process of an investigation. I don't have an answer as to how long."

State Republican Party Chair Nick Langworthy criticized Democratic lawmakers, saying that they are trying to drag out the impeachment process in order to give majority leaders leverage during budget negotiations.

“I think it’s a stall tactic,” Langworthy said. “I think it is all hollow rhetoric and I don’t believe he really intends to do any sort of impeachment of this governor. I think they are trying to wade out Tish James’ report, the Attorney General report we also don’t have a timeline on. We know it’s ongoing. I do believe this is a protection mechanism for the governor.”

In charge of the impeachment investigation is the Assembly Judiciary Committee.

Members have broad authority to issue subpoenas and will determine if there is enough of a case to bring forward articles of impeachment.

The committee will also determine the scope of the investigation and will most likely be looking into not only the inappropriate conduct allegations leveled by at least six women, but also Cuomo’s handling of nursing homes and the safety of the Mario Cuomo Bridge.

Assemblyman Tom Abinanti, who sits on the Assembly Judiciary Committee and will be part of the investigation, said this is why it is important they have time to thoroughly track down on all the details.  

“So far, we’ve had soundbites. Now we need to determine the facts and not pre-judge anything,” Assemblyman Abinanti said. “We need to understand what the law is and not have any pre-conceptions.”

If the Assembly does decide to introduce articles of impeachment and move forward with a vote to impeach Cuomo, the articles would head next to the Senate.

When asked if there are enough votes among Democratic senators to convict Cuomo as it stands right now, Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins said that most of her members have already voiced their opinion on this issue.

“I think a majority of my members have come out and suggested that the governor should resign,” Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins said. “So I haven’t canvassed anyone, but I think a majority of my members have spoken.”

The Assembly Judiciary Committee is expected to announce later this week who they have hired as outside counsel in this impeachment investigation.

Governor Andrew Cuomo has denied all of these allegations.