House Ethics Committee finds 'substantial evidence' George Santos violated law

The House Ethics Committee released a report Thursday on its probe of Rep. George Santos, stating that there is "substantial evidence" the New York Republican violated the law.

"At nearly every opportunity, he placed his desire for private gain above his duty to uphold the Constitution, federal law, and ethical principles," the report states.

"Santos’ lies go far beyond inaccuracies on a resume," the subcommittee investigating the congressman also said, referring to how Santos admitted to "embellishing" his resume.

Santos "sought to fraudulently exploit every aspect of his House candidacy for his own personal financial profit," the report states.

He also "blatantly stole from his campaign," "deceived donors," "reported fictitious loans to his political committees to induce donors and party committees to make further contributions to his campaign—and then diverted more campaign money to himself," the report states. "And he sustained all of this through a constant series of lies to his constituents, donors, and staff about his background and experience."

Santos pleaded not guilty last month to federal criminal fraud charges, but the subcommittee investigating Santos recommended the House Ethics Committee refer Santos to the Justice Department for potential prosecution on several charges of fraud, including false and incomplete campaign reports and improper use of campaign funds.

Santos has resisted calls to resign and survived a motion to expel him from the House earlier this month. He said Thursday he is not running for reelection in 2024 after previously saying he would.

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