Congressman Dan Goldman Demands House Ethics Committee Report on George Santos’s Compliance with Request to Disclose Bail Benefactors
Doubts Remain as to George Santos’s Compliance with May House Ethics Disclosure Request to Determine Whether Bail Payment Violated House Ethics Gift Rules
Follows Indication that Santos May Appeal Judge’s Ruling Forcing Disclosure of Names; Suretors May Withdraw to Avoid Disclosure
Resolution Also Requires Ethics Committee Report on Interim Findings Related to its Investigation of Santos by July 17
Read the Resolution Here
Washington, D.C. – Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10) and Congressman Greg Landsman (OH-01) today introduced a resolution requiring the House Committee on Ethics to report whether George Santos has provided the Committee with the names of the unknown individuals who paid his $500,000 bond within two days of the House’s adoption of this resolution. The resolution also requires the Committee on Ethics to report back to the House with interim findings related to its investigation into Santos no later than July 17, 2023.
Last month, George Santos was charged with 13 counts of fraud, money laundering, theft of public funds, and false statements to the House of Representatives. The House Ethics Committee then requested Santos disclose the names of the individuals who paid for his bail in order to investigate whether the payment violated House ethics rules regarding gifts. The House Ethics Committee has not yet reported whether Santos has complied with their request.
On Tuesday, a federal judge denied Santos’s latest attempt to keep sealed the identities of the people who financially backed his criminal bond and ordered the release of their names on Thursday, June 22. Santos’ lawyers have indicated that Santos would rather be detained ahead of trial than allow their identities to be unsealed, raising the prospect that Santos may appeal the judge’s decision or the bond suretors may withdraw before Thursday to avoid disclosure.
“George Santos’s potential refusal to comply with the House Ethics request raises the prospect that an admitted and indicted fraudster may be receiving benefits from mystery actors with unknown motives,” Congressman Dan Goldman said. “Members of the House of Representatives have an obligation to comply with the ethics rules of this body, and that includes cooperating with the Ethics Committee by disclosing the names of the people who have provided him with what amounts to a $500,000 benefit. It is time forRepublican Leadership to stand up for George Santos’s constituents and the American people by holding him accountable.”
“The more we learn about Santos, and potential ties to foreign adversaries, there could be real national security issues with his bail,” said Congressman Greg Landsman. “Whether it’s a foreign adversary or not, Congress has a responsibility to call on Santos to disclose who paid for his bail. He’s taken a pro-Putin position and money from Russian oligarchs before. Yet he continues to vote in the United States Congress.”
Congressman Dan Goldman has repeatedly stressed the need for House Republican leadership to hold Representative Santos accountable for the fraud he perpetrated to win his seat in Congress.
In January, Congressman Goldman along with Congressman Ritchie Torres filed an official complaint with the House of Representatives Committee on Ethics, requesting an investigation into Congressman Santos for violating the Ethics in Government Act by failing to file timely, accurate, and complete financial disclosure reports as required by law.
Congressman Goldman joined Congressman Garcia in introducing a resolution to expel Santos from Congress which Speaker McCarthy, in his effort to protect Santos, referred to the House Ethics Committee. Congressman Goldman has repeatedly condemned Speaker McCarthy’s efforts to aid in Santos’ fraud and admitted lying to his constituents.
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