Rep. Nick LaLota (RN.Y.) called for the Department of Justice and the Federal Election Commission to freeze any campaign assets held by fellow Rep. George Santos (RN.Y.) on Monday.
LaLota pointed to the active maelstrom surrounding Santos’ successful run for office amid revelations that he lied about his resume. Santos has admitted he lied about some of his convictions, but has said he will remain in office to serve his two-year term.
“To the extent that there is actually real money in the campaign account of Congressman George Santos, the funds must be immediately frozen,” LaLota said in a statement. “Congressman Santos fraudulently requested the funds and Santos was not allowed to spend on his campaign account while multiple authorities investigated the fraud that led to the contributions.”
LaLota continued to renew calls for Santos to resign from his post. He is one of six House Republicans to do so. They also called for an ethics inquiry into Santos’ actions.
FEC data shows that most of Santos’ campaign funds have been spent, noting the congressman has just under $50,000 in the bank.
House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) said Friday that he “always has some questions” about Santos’ resume. But the speaker has largely rejected calls to oust him from Congress.
The latest reports show some members of GOP leadership and top Republican aides are aware of the fraud in their experience ahead of the 2022 midterm elections.
Republicans now have a slim majority in the House.