Pressure builds on Santos: Republican demands investigation into GOP colleague’s falsehoods
Juliegrace Brufke
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Rep.-elect Nick LaLota (R-NY) is calling for an ethics investigation into embattled Rep.-elect George Santos (R-NY), who fabricated and misrepresented his resume.
The move by a Republican means there is now bipartisan pressure for action against Santos. Democrat Robert Zimmerman, whom Santos defeated to win the congressional seat, has challenged his rival to resign and run again in a special election.
LaLota argued that an investigation into his fellow New York Republican is warranted in the wake of news breaking that Santos lied about his education, employment history, and his grandparents escaping the Holocaust, and may have intentionally falsified information on his financial disclosures.
“House Republicans like me are eager to be sworn in and focus on our Commitment to America and our respective districts. 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 said in a statement.
GEORGE SANTOS ADMITS TO LYING ON CAMPAIGN TRAIL BUT MAINTAINS HE’LL TAKE OFFICE
“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. New Yorkers deserve the truth and House Republicans deserve an opportunity to govern without this distraction.”
Rep.-elect Anthony D’Esposito (R-NY) also condemned Santos for being dishonest on the campaign trail, stopping short of calling for an investigation or disciplinary action.
“Neighbors across Long Island are deeply hurt and rightly offended by the lies and misstatements made by Congressman-elect George Santos. His fabrications regarding the Holocaust and his family’s history are particularly hurtful. While Santos has taken a required first step by ‘coming clean’ with respect to his education, work experience, and other issues, he must continue to pursue a path of honesty,” D’Esposito said. “I have long held that elected officials must operate in a transparent and truthful manner — it is time for Mr. Santos to embrace that same spirit of sincerity.”
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Santos has acknowledged that he was dishonest about multiple parts of his background, but he asserted that he does not plan to step down.
“I will be sworn in. I will take office. I will be able to be an effective member of the [legislation] in the soon-to-be 118th Congress,” he told WABC.