Corruption and politics are practically synonymous nowadays. Yet, a sense of responsibility and decency doesn’t seem like too much to ask for in a public official. It is time for New York Republican Rep. George Santos, who breaks away from both the former traits, to resign from his position in Congress.
The newly sworn in freshman member of the U.S. House of Representatives made headlines within just weeks of his “historic” election (the first congressional race between two openly gay candidates) for accusations of a growing list of issues: embellishing his résumé, lying about his heritage and his mother’s death, and taking thousands of dollars from a disabled veteran’s GoFundMe focused on saving the veteran’s service dog.
The congressman admitted to adding details, including that he graduated from college and that he worked for Citigroup and Goldman Sachs, to his resume along with his “Jew-ish” heritage, according to NBC News. However, the representative still denies other accusations against him and is unwilling to resign.
The Republican Party and its leadership in the House have made strides by placing him on lower-level committees. But more must be done to ensure this doesn’t happen again and that Santos is done with his 15 minutes of fame.
The New York congressman represents the state’s 3rd congressional district, which, as CNN reports, President Joe Biden won by eight points in the 2020 election. The margin between Republicans and Democrats in the House is already razor-thin, and by resigning, Santos would only make that margin thinner. While this is a valid concern when it comes down to what can get done (and was crucial in the speaker of the house vote), morals and doing what is right should triumph over parties.
In Nassau County, some of which rests in Santos’ district, the district attorney, Anne T. Donnelly, announced Santos will be investigated, according to the Washington Post. This district attorney is a Republican.
Other Republicans in New York sounded off on Santos. A recent Journal News (a New York State newspaper) story stated that six Republican congressmen from New York desired for the resignation of the congressman.
Unlike these members, some have condemned the congressman, but will not go to the extent of resignation, unless he committed a crime.
Whatever the case may be, Santos lied to his now constituents about serious matters, which will dictate how he governs. If he can’t be trusted to tell the public about his background, how can he be trusted when it comes to issues that affect every American and their security?
Republicans have looked broken and like they are internally falling apart. This is a moment for Republicans to take back the narrative and come out looking a little better.
Numbers are important and Republicans need a strong and unified majority to act as a check on the reckless acts of the Biden administration and Senate Democrats. Republicans could still win that seat in a special election, or at least know they did the right thing.
Politicians lie. Politicians play games to gain attention. Politicians sometimes put themselves before the betterment of the people they represent. Sadly, these are things expected in the field and by Americans, yet there must remain a standard. If Santos is able to skate past these allegations without anything except a blemish on his already mediocre résumé, then not enough has been done. Santos, it is time to resign and allow the people of the third congressional district to receive an honest and capable representative.
