Rep. George Santos (R-Nassau/Queens) has recused himself from his two House committee assignments whereas investigations of him are ongoing, he introduced at a gathering Tuesday morning.
House majority chief Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) had assigned Santos to the House Science, Area and Expertise Committee and the Small Enterprise Committee. Santos launched an announcement by way of his communications director explaining his choice to step down from the committees, saying that “the business of the 118th Congress must continue without media fanfare.”
“This was a decision that I take very seriously,” Santos mentioned. ““I want to personally thank Speaker McCarthy for meeting with me to discuss the matter and allowing me to take time to properly clear my name before returning to my committees. To my constituents, I remain committed to serving the district, and delivering results for both New York’s Third Congressional District and for the American people.”
Critical questions on Santos’ funds are presently being reviewed by Nassau County, New York State, and federal investigators. Two of Santos’ fellow congressmen have additionally filed a criticism with the House Ethics Committee, asking that it examine his marketing campaign funds, however it’s unclear whether or not the committee will accomplish that. And a criticism about Santos has additionally been filed with the Federal Elections Fee.
Rep. Anthony D’Esposito (R-Island Park) and Rep. Nick LaLota (R-Amityville) launched a joint assertion concerning Santos’ choice to depart the committees, calling it “a classic case of someone quitting right before they were going to get fired.”
“While we, and the overwhelming percentage of Long Islanders we represent, are relieved to see that Santos will not be undeservedly sitting on committees, he should still do the right thing and resign,” the congressmen mentioned. “That is what is in the best interest of his constituents and House Republicans.”
Each Republicans and Democrats have referred to as on Santos to resign, however he has refused to step down. That is the primary concession of any type he has made because the Dec. 19 New York Occasions article unveiled a laundry checklist of lies he’s advised and raised questions on how he funded his marketing campaign.
“George Santos is a fraudster who should never have been seated on the committees he’s now recusing himself from in the first place — something I’ve heard from small business owners and community leaders across NY-03,” mentioned Casey Sabella, a grassroots organizer and Santos constituent. “Santos’ egregious misconduct requires immediate action by House Republicans. For the good of our district and the integrity of our democracy, Speaker McCarthy and House Republicans must vote to expel Santos.”