House Ethics Committee Establishes Investigative Subcommittee to Investigate Allegations of Misconduct by Representative George Santos

The House Ethics Committee has voted to set up an investigative subcommittee to look into allegations of misconduct by Representative George Santos. The panel will have jurisdiction to determine whether Santos “may have engaged in unlawful activity with respect to his 2022 congressional campaign; failed to properly disclose required information on statements filed with the House; violated federal conflict of interest laws; or taken any other actions that would reflect discreditably on the House.”

The bipartisan committee, led by Republican Rep. Michael Guest and Democratic Rep. Susan Wild, said in a statement that the panel unanimously voted to establish the investigative subcommittee. The panel will be tasked with examining whether Santos engaged in any misconduct.

The Ethics Committee noted that the investigative subcommittee will have the authority to review documents, take testimony, and issue subpoenas. The panel will also have the authority to refer matters to the Department of Justice or other appropriate law enforcement agencies.

The committee said that the investigative subcommittee will report its findings and recommendations to the full Ethics Committee. The committee will then decide whether to take further action, such as referring the matter to the House for disciplinary action.

The investigative subcommittee will be chaired by Rep. Jackie Speier, who said in a statement that she is “committed to conducting a thorough and impartial investigation.” She added that she looks forward to working with her colleagues on the subcommittee to ensure that the investigation is conducted in a fair and transparent manner.