George Santos.Photo:Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call via AP
Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call via AP
The House Ethics Committee investigating New York Rep.George Santoswill not recommend any punishment for the embattled Republican, committee chairman Michael Guest said Wednesday.
Speaking to reporters, Guest said the committee will release a report summarizing its monthslong probe into 35-year-old Santos, including evidence gathered, and allow lawmakers to review those details and come to their own conclusions.
Guest added that recommending sanctions against Santos “would have taken several more months," and that he expects there will be a subsequent expulsion effort following the release of the report.
“The investigative subcommittee decided that they were going to compile the report, they would release the report to the, to the members, into the public, and based upon that, then our members can take whatever action that they felt necessary,” Guest said, perABC News.
Former House SpeakerKevin McCarthyconfirmed in February that the House Ethics Committee was investigating Santos after a sprawlingNew York Timesreport found that a large portion of his biography could not be substantiated.
Among the many controversies are allegations that Santos dramaticallyembellished his resume, mislead voters about his heritage, allegedlyscammed a veteran out of $3,000 meant for his dog’s cancer treatment, and allegedlystole puppies from Amish dog breeders(he vehemently denies the latter two).
George Santos.Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post via Getty
Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post via Getty
In May, Santos wasarrested and indictedon13 criminal countsalleging fraud, money laundering, theft of public funds, and making false statements; in October, prosecutors announced they hadadded 10 new chargesto the indictment, bringing the total number of criminal counts against him to 23.
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Despite themounting controversies— Santos has refused to resign from Congress and in May, hefiled paperwork to run for reelectionin 2024. The Democratic congressman who previously represented the New York districtannounced in October that he would challenge Santosto reclaim the seat.
source: people.com
