Rep. Santos faces increasing calls to resign, calls for investigation
GOP Rep.-elect George Santos faces growing condemnation and calls for a full investigation after his recent controversial confessions.
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GOP Rep.-elect George Santos (Photo: Scott Olson/Getty Images)
A Republican elected in November to Congress from New York is asking for an ethics investigation by the House Ethics Committee of representative-elect George Santos after the latter confessed on Monday that he had lied about his education and job history during the campaign.
Rep.-elect Nick LaLota's statements form additional proof Santos’ background is fueling a storm within the GOP and triggering discomfort for fellow Republicans.
“House Republicans like me are eager to be sworn in and focus on our Commitment to America and our respective districts,” LaLota said in the statement.
“Yet, over the last few weeks I have heard from countless Long Islanders how deeply troubled they are by the headlines surrounding George Santos,” he added.
“As a Navy man who campaigned on restoring accountability and integrity to our government, I believe a full investigation by the House Ethics Committee and, if necessary, law enforcement, is required,” LaLota stressed, focusing on the "truth" New Yorkers and House Republicans deserve "to govern without this distraction.”
Democratic Reps. Joaquin Castro of Texas and Ted Lieu of California called, among others, for the resignation of Santos saying that if he refuses, the House should expel him.
Moreover, Santos was called a "total fraud" by Democratic Rep.-elect Dan Goldman of New York, a former federal prosecutor, who also criticized House Republicans, saying, “Congress also has an obligation to hold George Santos accountable, but it is sadly clear that we cannot trust House Republicans to initiate an investigation in the House Ethics Committee.”
Santos 'very proud' of his 'Jewish' heritage
Regarding Santos' heritage and his statements about being “very proud” of his Jewish heritage, the Republican Jewish Coalition (RJC) said he “will not be welcome at any future RJC event.”
“We are very disappointed in Congressman-elect Santos,” RJC CEO Matt Brooks said in a statement.
“He deceived us and misrepresented his heritage. In public comments and to us personally, he previously claimed to be Jewish. He has begun his tenure in Congress on a very wrong note.”
Santos has been under fire following The New York Times' report which created discrepancies in his resume.
In several interviews on Monday, Santos admitted he had lied about his educational and professional background.
He declared, "I am not a criminal," adding that “this [controversy] will not deter me from having good legislative success. I will be effective. I will be good.”
Moreover, he said he will not "make excuses for this" and noted that " a lot of people overstate in their resumes, or twist a little bit." However, he continued by insisting that he is "not guilty of that."
