House Ethics Committee Report Finds Substantial Evidence of Misconduct by Rep. George Santos (R-N.Y.)

The House Ethics Committee released a report on Thursday detailing its investigation into Rep. George Santos (R-N.Y.), finding substantial evidence of misconduct. The committee said in a statement that the investigative subcommittee unanimously concluded that Santos knowingly caused his campaign committee to file false or incomplete reports with the Federal Election Commission, used campaign funds for personal purposes, engaged in fraudulent content and engaged in “knowing and willful” violations of federal ethics law related to financial disclosure statements filed with the House.

The report will not include a recommendation of formal punishment, such as expulsion, for Santos, according to Ethics Committee chair Michael Guest (R-Miss.), who told reporters on Wednesday that doing so would have extended the investigation into the next year. The full ethics panel will instead issue a statement of disapproval and refer the matter to the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct for further review.

Santos has become infamous for his serial lies, and the House Ethics Committee’s report is the latest in a series of investigations into his alleged misconduct. The congressman has denied any wrongdoing and has yet to comment on the report.

The House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct will now review the report and make a recommendation on how to proceed. It is unclear what action, if any, will be taken against Santos. The House Ethics Committee’s report serves as a reminder that members of Congress are held to a high standard of conduct and must be held accountable for any violations of the law.