According to controversial Republican Representative Matt Gaetz of Florida, equally as controversial Representative George Santos of New York who has found himself embroiled in a swath of opposition from both sides of the political aisle, should not be “shunned” while he goes “through the congressional ethics process.”
After it came to light that Santos has allegedly fabricated massive parts of his personal history, background, personal finances, and even large portions of his resume, many were quick to call for his removal from office. The anger has been none too quiet as Santos has found his name plastered across headlines, and vast numbers of voters and political figures alike have chosen to withdraw support for him.
However, Gaetz seemed to have a softer approach to the matter, saying: “George Santos will have to go through the congressional ethics process.”
He added: “I don’t want to prejudge that process, but I think he deserves the chance to at least make his case.”
Many have speculated that Gaetz, due to his own history of scandals, may well be more sympathetic to Santos and his plight.
“There are requirements members of Congress have to meet when it comes to the money that they donate to their own campaigns,” he acknowledged. “But, until then, I don’t think that George Santos should be subject to shunning because the Americans he serves deserve representation, and they have real challenges, and we ought to work together to solve their challenges and meet their needs.”
Gaetz concluded: “It’s up to the political process to resolve those things. He is a congressman, he was seated, and so I’m going to treat him as a colleague. He’s going to have to endure the process that goes through managing the conduct of members.”
Just last month, the office of New York Attorney General, Letitia James, told Axios that it is currently delving deeper into “some of the issues raised about Santos.” The findings of that investigation have yet to be made fully public, and the probe is likely still ongoing behind the scenes.
Moreover, two Democrats serving in the House recently filed a complaint with the House Ethics Committee pertaining to Santos, urging the committee to look into whether Santos acted in violation of federal statute that requires lawmakers to file “timely and complete” financial disclosures.
Earlier in January, law enforcement officials from Brazil made the assertion that they have plans to resume a criminal case against Santos pertaining to his alleged usage of a stolen checkbook.
The controversy surrounding Representative Santos is unlikely to die down for a bit as more information continues to break through periodically, and until the matter has been resolved in one way or another, it’s likely that eyes will keenly be on Santos for the foreseeable future.
