WASHINGTON (AP) — Even as House GOP leaders remain silent, veteran Republican lawmakers said Sunday that George Santos should consider resigning after the congressman-elect from New York admitted to lying about his heritage, education and professional career.
Texas Rep. Kevin Brady, former House Ways and Means chairman who has served in Congress for 25 years, told “Fox News Sunday” that Santos must “take some big steps” to regain confidence and respect in the district. Santos is set to be sworn in on Tuesday when the new Congress begins.
“It’s troubling in many ways. Of course, he has lied repeatedly,” said Brady, who has retired from the House of Representatives. “He should definitely consider resigning.” between him and the voters who elected him.”
In November, Santos, 34, was elected to the 3rd Congressional District, which includes several suburbs of Long Island and a small part of the New York City borough of Queens. He became the first non-incumbent, openly gay Republican to win a seat in Congress. But a few weeks after helping Republicans secure a slim House majority, Santos is now under investigation for fabricating numerous biographies. Campaign spending was also scrutinized.
He has shown no signs of moving away. Last week, Santos was asked on Fox News about the “blatant lie” and replied that he “made a mistake.”
House Republican top, Rep. Kevin McCarthy of California, who is running for House speaker now that the GOP will hold the majority, has not said what action, if any, he might take against Santos.
Brady said that while he chaired the committee that Santos would serve on, “right now, he’s not going to be on the committee.”
The congressman also said that “we are a country of second chances. And when people are willing to turn their lives around and do what they need to do and regain their respect and trust, you know, we’re willing to do that. Brady said he hopes that Santos “choose the right path here.”
Questions were raised about Santos last month when The New York Times published an investigation into his resume and found several major discrepancies. Since then, Santos has admitted to lying about having Jewish ancestry, lying about working for Wall Street banks and lying about getting a college degree.
Democrats are expected to pursue several avenues against Santos, including a potential complaint with the Federal Election Commission and the introduction of a resolution to expel him if he becomes a member of Congress.