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The panel voted on Tuesday to investigate whether Santos engaged in
illegal activity over his 2022 campaign, failed to properly disclose
information required on House statements, violated federal laws
concerning his role in a financial firm, and engaged in sexual
misconduct toward someone seeking a job in his House office, the
committee said in a statement.
Based on the findings of the investigation, the panel could impose a
fine or recommendation for disciplinary action, such as a formal
censure or reprimand.
When asked for comment, Santos's office directed Reuters to a tweet
from his congressional Twitter account, which said he is "fully
cooperating" with the investigation.
The first-term lawmaker from New York state has admitted he
fabricated much of his resume. Santos had said he had degrees from
New York University and Baruch College, despite neither institution
having any record of him attending.
He also falsely claimed to have worked at Goldman Sachs and
Citigroup. In addition, he falsely said that he was Jewish and that
his grandparents escaped the Nazis during World War Two.
Santos has refused to step down despite mounting pressure from
within his own party, insisting that he is the elected
representative for New York's third district.
Multiple fellow lawmakers from his own party have called for him to
step down, and even Republican Speaker Kevin McCarthy has said he
would have "a little difficulty" supporting Santos if he stood for
reelection.
Republicans control an extremely narrow margin in the House, in part
thanks to surprise victories in New York state like Santos, who
flipped his district in November's midterm elections.
(Reporting by Eric Beech and Moira Warburton, editing by Deepa
Babington)
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