Republicans’ Walter Mitty faces congressional ethics probe

George Santos has admitted laying about his real name, his religion, his schooling and his employment history.

George Santos admitted to some lies on his resume. Picture: AFP

First-time Republican Congressman George Santos will be investigated by the US House of Representative ethics committee over allegations that he lied extensively about his background and violated campaign finance laws.

Mr Santos has admitted fabricating much of his biography, including his real name, his religion (he falsely claimed to be Jewish), his schooling and his employment history when he ran last year for a house seat representing parts of Long Island, New York.

But he has also been accused of misusing and misreporting campaign funds, and of sexual harassment of a man his office allegedly offered a job and then rescinded when the man turned down Santos’s advances.

The committee said in a statement overnight on Thursday it will be examining possible violations of campaign laws, campaign finance rules and sexual misconduct.

It was not clear what the bipartisan committee would do if it finds fault with Santos.

It can recommend that the whole House of Representatives take action, including censuring or, in the extreme, expelling a member.

It can also report violations of law to federal and state authorities. But Mr Santos remains part of the very narrow majority the Republican Party holds in the house.

In a tweet he said he was fully cooperating with the probe but would make no other comment.

Mr Santos is reportedly also under scrutiny from US elections and justice officials.

He has faced calls to resign by many of his constituents, and from some fellow Republicans as well as Democrats in Congress, but has refused.

In an interview with TV host Piers Morgan last month, Santos admitted to some lies on his resume.

“I have been a terrible liar” on certain issues, he said.

“This wasn’t about tricking the people, this was about getting accepted by the party,” he said.

“My credibility is what I’m going to have a hard time (with) and a long road to recover,” he said.