WASHINGTON (AP) — New York Republican Rep. George Santos told his GOP colleagues Tuesday that he is temporarily withdrawing from two of his congressional committees, amid multiple ethics concerns and a day after meeting with House Speaker Kevin McCarthy.
Santos has faced numerous calls for his resignation and multiple investigations by prosecutors into his personal and campaign finances and lies about his resume and family.
Santos was appointed to two very low-key panels: the House Committee on Small Business and the Science, Space and Technology Committee.
Rep. Tom Cole, R-Olka, said the decision was welcomed by the GOP conference, saying, “I think it was the right thing to do, and I’m proud that he was promoted.” got up and did it.”
McCarthy met with Santos on Monday evening but did not discuss their conversation.
“You’ll see,” McCarthy told reporters on Capitol Hill.
And Santos said that he will make a statement this evening. Asked if he was thinking about giving it up, Santos said, “No, I’m not.”
Republicans called Santos’ decision arbitrary. House Small Business Committee Chairman Roger Williams said he had not spoken to Santos about the decision and was surprised.
“Essentially, he has chosen to withdraw from committees until his situation is resolved at a level he is comfortable with,” Williams said.
Read more: Investigation, Distrust, and Stigma: Why Can’t George Santos Do More in Congress?
Democrats have criticized Santos, as well as McCarthy, for trying to oust three Democratic lawmakers from committee assignments, recommending Santos and lying deeply to his constituents about his background.
“Hypocrisy grabs you by the throat,” said Adam Schiff, D-California. “He’s a Republican orator, George Santos, a con man, a serial killer in committees, in every part of his life.”
McCarthy blocked the reappointment of Schiff and Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Calif., to the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, even though they could serve on other committees.
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Associated Press writer Lisa Mascaro and videographer Nathan Ellgren contributed to this report.
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