Washington –
Republican Rep. George Santos of New York told Republican colleagues on Tuesday that he was temporarily resigning from two congressional committees.
Santos has faced numerous calls demanding his resignation and multiple investigations by prosecutors over his personal and campaign finances, as well as lies about his resume and family background.
Santos was assigned to two fairly low profile committees: the House Small Business Committee and the House Science, Space and Technology Committee.
Rep. Tom Cole (R-Olka.) said the decision was well received at the Republican convention, saying, “I think it’s appropriate and I’m proud that he stood up and did this. ‘He said.
McCarthy met with Santos on Monday night, but did not disclose their conversation.
“You know,” McCarthy told reporters at the Capitol.
Santos, meanwhile, said he would issue a statement later in the day.
Republicans explained that Santos’ decision was voluntary. Rep. Roger Williams, chairman of the House Small Business Committee, said he hadn’t spoken to Santos about the decision and was surprised.
“The bottom line is that he has chosen to stay out of the commission until the situation is handled at a level he is comfortable with,” Williams said.
Democrats were highly critical of Santos and McCarthy for ousting three Democrats from commission and appointing Santos at the same time.
“Hypocrisy only grabs you by the throat,” said California Democrat Rep. Adam Schiff. “This is a Republican speaker, sitting a human con man, George Santos, on a committee that is a series of fabricators about every part of his existence.”
McCarthy blocked Rep. Schiff and Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-California) from being reappointed to the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, but they can serve on other committees.
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Associated Press writer Lisa Mascaro and video journalist Nathan Elgren contributed to this report.
