New York Republican Representative George Santos is expected to face a House Ethics Committee investigation, which could derail his already threatened political career, depending on the findings.
House Speaker Kevin McCarthy initially told the CNN “yes” when asked if the congressman is under investigation by the Committee, something that even Republicans recognize could lead to his expulsion from Congress if the panel presents evidence of wrongdoing.
However, McCarthy later clarified his remarks, and said he meant that Santos is the subject of Ethics Committee complaints.
“There are questions. I hope they get answered,” he said when asked if he expected the panel to investigate George Santos.
So far, McCarthy has not called for Santos to resign, saying his fate should be decided by voters. But he has increasingly suggested that the House ethics investigation could change its stance on the congressman, who hails from a swing district that President Joe Biden won by eight points in 2020.
“Ethics is moving forward, and if we find something, we’re going to act,” McCarthy told the CNN on Tuesday (7), when questioned about the resignation requests. “At the moment, we are not allowing him to be on committees from the point of view of the issues that have arisen.”
George Santos voluntarily resigned from two House committees, although McCarthy and his allies initially granted him the seats. McCarthy later said he had “new questions” for the congressman, but declined to say what they were, indicating he agreed with Santos’ decision to step down from those panels.
So far, George Santos, who faces a growing list of questions about his campaign finances, has been defiant, insisting he will continue to serve in the House.
On Tuesday, the deputy told the CNN that he is “not concerned” about the House ethics investigation or New York constituents calling for his resignation.
“Are you saying that my constituents’ free speech is a distraction from my work? Do you think the people are a distraction from the work I’m doing here?” he said.
But even some of the Republican’s freshman colleagues say it’s time for him to resign.
“As I’ve always said, I think he should step down and really take stock of himself and start being honest, not just with the people he serves, but with himself,” said Rep. Marc Molinaro.
Source: CNN Brasil
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