Rep.-elect George Santos (R-N.Y.) is facing an investigation into his finances following backlash over his lies about his history.
According to CBS News, federal prosecutors are looking into Santos’ finances and the Nassau County District Attorney’s Office is investigating the lies he admitted to making up about his past.
Prosecutors with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York are investigating his finances, including financial disclosure filings, according to CBS News sources.
“The numerous fabrications and inconsistencies associated with Congressman-elect Santos are nothing short of stunning,” Nassau County DA Anne Donnelly said in a statement to the outlet.
She added, “The residents of Nassau County and other parts of the 3rd District must have an honest and accountable representative in Congress. No one is above the law and if a crime was committed in this county, we will prosecute it.”
CBS News noted Congressional experts believe if Santos does not resign, there is very little keeping him from being sworn in on Jan. 3.
“Once someone is sworn in as a member, really, the only standard that the Constitution has set is that two-thirds of the House must agree in the case of an expulsion,” Michael Thorning, director of structural democracy for the Bipartisan Policy Center, explained to the outlet.
Incoming Rep. Nick LaLota told CBS News, “I believe a full investigation by the House Ethics Committee and, if necessary, law enforcement is required.”
The outlet noted Nassau County politicians are expected to hold a press conference about the Santos controversy on Thursday.
During an appearance on Fox News Wednesday, former Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (D-Hawaii) pressed Santos on the lies he told about his background, IJR reported.
“If I were one of those in New York’s 3rd District right now, now that the election is over, and I’m finding out all of these lies that you’ve told, not just one little lie or one little embellishment — these are blatant lies — my question is, do you have no shame?” Gabbard said.
She added, “Do you have no shame? And the people who are now, you’re asking to trust you to go and be their voice for them, their families and their kids in Washington?”
Santos responded, “Tulsi, I can say the same thing about the Democrats. Look at Joe Biden. Joe Biden has been lying to the American people for 40 years. He’s the president of the United States. Democrats resoundingly support him. Do they have no shame?”
The Hill noted Santos admitted to making false claims, including lying about his educational and professional background.