Santos Sidesteps False Claims, Says Congress isn’t About Personal Life

WASHINGTON (Bloomberg News/TNS) — U.S. Rep. George Santos, the New York Republican who has acknowledged inventing significant parts of his life story, said his work in Congress “is not about my personal life” and vowed “to start delivering results.”

In a statement issued after he was sworn in as a newly elected House member early Saturday, Santos said he’s committed to serving his constituents and cited Republican themes such as curbing inflation and crime.

Santos’ first days in Washington were a focus of attention alongside days of Republican battles to choose a House speaker, which ended with Kevin McCarthy’s election in a 15th round of voting after he overcame a revolt by conservative holdouts.

Lawmakers repeatedly ignored Santos on his first formal day in Washington on Tuesday while other members mingled. During the final votes for House speaker that began late Friday, Santos was seen trying to bond with some of his colleagues as the evening dragged on.

Santos also is increasingly isolated in his home district, which comprises parts of Long Island and the borough of Queens in New York City. The Nassau County Republican Party said it wouldn’t support his reelection in 2024, and he’s facing federal and local investigations.

Santos, 34, has acknowledged misrepresenting significant details about his education and career, including that he graduated from college and worked for Goldman Sachs Group Inc. and Citigroup Inc. Brazilian authorities said on Tuesday they would seek to reopen a 2008 fraud case against Santos.

“I am committed to serving the people of New York’s 3rd Congressional District and finding solutions to solve tough problems,” Santos said in his statement.