For the last few months, House Republican leaders have clung to a specific talking point like a life preserver in response to questions about Rep. George Santos: It’s a matter for the Ethics Committee.
In fact, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy reiterated the line this week. “I’ve always said from the very beginning, Ethics will get together, I think Ethics is gonna look into the situation. If something arises to that point, there’s consequences for actions that you take,” the Californian told The Hill.
It’s long been a flawed response, in part because GOP leaders could take action immediately, as they have in the recent past in response to other scandal-plagued members. But just as notable was the fact that the House Ethics Committee — the entity that was apparently supposed to be dealing with the truth allergic New York Republican — hadn’t actually done anything, despite Santos’ many scandals.
This afternoon, that changed. The House panel issued this relatively brief press statement, kicking off the process:
[T]he Committee unanimously voted on February 28, 2023, to establish an Investigative Subcommittee. Pursuant to the Committee’s action, the Investigative Subcommittee shall have jurisdiction to determine whether Representative George 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 in connection with his role in a firm providing fiduciary services; and/or engaged in sexual misconduct towards an individual seeking employment in his congressional office.
By any fair measure, that’s a wide-reaching probe: The panel isn’t just narrowing its focus to a controversy or two; members apparently intend to examine a broad scope of Santos scandals.
The committee’s four-member investigation will apparently be led by Republican Rep. David Joyce of Ohio and Democratic Rep. Susan Wild of…
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