Kevin McCarthy's speakership battle in a narrow majority is complicating his fate as some of his soon-to-be colleagues encourage investigations into his many resume fabrications. On the same day the House will vote on a new speaker, the New York Republican will be sworn into Congress. Even if it comes from a member-elect steeped in scandal, House GOP leader McCarthy needs all the support he can get. One Republican has called for an internal investigation and others have said he is likely to be investigated. McCarthy and other members of leadership have remained silent about the fabricationsSantos has made about his past, including his Jewish faith.
The conference is in a difficult position because of a lack of judgment, according to retiring Rep. John Katko (R-N.Y.).
Someone they know has made a number of false statements about his background. Do they let him go with a thin majority? It was called a "no-win situation."
Once they have an official speaker, House Republicans think their future will be clearer. The Republican leader has five members threatening to oppose his speakership bid on January 3, which is the same number of votes needed to block him. The last time the speakership race went beyond a first ballot was in the Civil War.
McCarthy can't do anything official until he's speaker. One House Republican who is going to support the California Republican was granted anonymity to speak candidly. I think his issues may prevent him from getting a seat in financial services. There are questions about his finances.
Democrats are the only ones calling for the resignation ofSantos from the post that was considered a longshot win for Republicans. In the House, the GOP is not likely to call for his resignation. According to a Republican who is familiar with the discussions,Santos has told New York party leaders that he won't be seeking reelection after this term. The Republican said that if he didn't make that statement soon, the leaders would pull their support.
Representatives forSantos did not reply to a request for comment.
Pete Sessions, a member of the Oversight Committee, told the Washington Examiner that he is not in favor ofSantos being in the conference. He said House GOP leadership needed to question him, but stopped short of calling for his resignation. The incoming Empire State colleague has criticized Santos for the headlines and doubts he has triggered after Republicans campaign for accountability andintegrity.
New Yorkers deserve the truth and House Republicans should have an opportunity to govern without distraction, according to Rep.-elect Nick LaLota.
The district attorney for Nassau County decided to open an investigation into GeorgeSantos after he lied about his background. The New York Times reported that Santos had lied on the campaign trail.
In an interview with the New York Post this week,Santos downplayed his false statements as being embellished on his resume and poor choice of words. He admitted that he didn't graduate from the college as he had claimed, and that he didn't work for private equity companies as he had said.
I embellished my resume here. He apologized to the tabloid.
He claims that he is a Jew because his ancestors were practicing Jews, even though he is a practicing Catholic. He described himself as a proud American Jew.
Republicans aren't buying his attempts at wordsmithing. It has raised more questions about his past, with some questioning his purported wealthy status, how he self-funded part of his campaign, and whether he was actually born in the U.S.
It could translate to a chilly reception from his colleagues. As they prepare to take power after a campaign focused on holding the Biden administration accountable, LaLota is sure to have company in his belief that the rest of them are in a bad light.
WhileSantos tried to defend his record with conservative media, he found no friendly questioner in an interview with a former Democrat who was filling in for Tucker Carlson.
After asking Santos to explain the meaning ofintegrity, he asked if he had no shame.
"It is hard to imagine how they can trust your explanations when you aren't willing to admit the depth of your deception to them," she said.
Capitol Hill Republicans didn't think the interview was helpful The outgoing head of the Republican Study Committee, Rep. Jim Banks (R-Ind.), wrote on the social networking site that he thought the performance was good.
The New Yorker was supported by at least one member who is no stranger to provoking outrage.
It was after she praised the incoming congressman for being honest with his district that she said Republicans should give him a chance.
Republicans agree that more needs to be done to address the scandal.
I don't think we'll hear the end of this soon. It's an issue that's going to linger for a long time and may have serious repercussions for him.
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