Rep. George Santos Steps Down From House Committees Amidst Controversy

What’s the story? 

• Rep. George Santos (R-NY) is stepping down from his House committee assignments voluntarily, according to various GOP lawmakers. 
• After public backlash from his fabricated biography and continuous controversy around his personal life, he decided to step aside temporarily from the Science, Space, and Technology Committee and the Small Business Committee. 
• Rep. Roger Williams, who chairs the Small Business Committee, emphasized that the move is temporary. He told reporters:

“It’s not about him. It’s about our committee and we have so much to do and when he gets ready to get back on and he’s met the thresholds that he’s set or whatever, then let’s go.”

• Santos is under scrutiny for his years of misinformation: hiding the source of campaign loans, fabricating and enhancing his resume, false claims of his mother being in the South Tower during 9/11, constructing a lie that his family escaped the Holocaust, and more.

What’re they saying?

• GOP members are expressing mixed reactions to Santos’ decision. Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) said Santos came to him with the idea and said it was an appropriate choice for now “until he could clear everything up.” Rep. Marjorie Taylor Green (R-GA) called the decision “pretty bold.”
• Some Republicans see the temporary leave as an admission of guilt, fearing it could increase the investigations and the lack of trust from his own party. Unlike some, Republican House leaders have not called on Santos to resign. Still, Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY) added that, ultimately, the decision is in the hands of the voters.
• According to a Newsday and Siena College poll, Santos' district's voters believe he should step down — an overwhelming 78%. Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-NY) agreed with these voters. He said: 

“Half-measures like voluntarily taking himself off his committee assignments are not good enough for the people of New York’s third congressional district, or for the American people. He was a disgrace today. And he’ll be a disgrace tomorrow. He should resign from office immediately.”

• McCarthy said earlier this month that Santos would remain in Congress even though he has “a long way to go to earn trust.” He continued:

“The voters have elected George Santos. If there is a concern, he will go through ethics. If there is something that is found, he will be dealt with in that manner.”

Do you think Rep. George Santos should resign? Let him know. 

-Jamie Epstein 

(Photo credit: Twitter)