McCarthy confirms George Santos faces House investigation

CNN
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New York Rep. George Santos now faces an investigation by the House Ethics Committee, one that could derail his already jeopardized political career depending on the findings of the secret panel.

House Speaker Kevin McCarthy confirmed to CNN on Tuesday that the embattled freshman is being investigated by the committee, which even Republicans acknowledge could lead to his expulsion from Congress if the panel reveals serious evidence of wrongdoing.

McCarthy has so far not called on Santos to step down, saying his fate should be decided by voters. But he has increasingly suggested the House ethics inquiry could change his posture as a freshman, who hails from a swing neighborhood that President Joe Biden lifted by eight points in 2020.

“Ethics is moving forward, and if ethics finds something, we’ll take action,” McCarthy told CNN on Tuesday when asked about calls for his resignation. “At the moment, we do not allow him to be on the committees from the point of view of the questions that have arisen.”

Santos has voluntarily resigned from two House committees, even though McCarthy and his allies initially gave him the spots. McCarthy later said he had “new questions” about the freshman, but declined to say what those were, indicating he was fine with Santos’ decision to step down. these panels.

So far, Santos, who faces a growing list of questions about the fabrication of his past and his campaign finances, has been defiant, insisting he will continue to serve in the House.

On Tuesday, Santos told CNN he was “not concerned” about the House ethics inquiry or New York voters calling on him to step down.

“Are you saying my constituents’ free speech is a distraction from my work?” said Santos. “Do you think people are a distraction to the work I do here? »

But even some New York GOP freshmen are saying it’s time for Santos to hang up the hangup.

“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, a New York GOP freshman.

This story has been updated with additional developments.