Could Republican George Santos face consequences for lying?

Author: Editors Desk Source: BBC News:

January 4, 2023 at 20:13

REUTERS / Few lawmakers were seen speaking to George Santos during his first day on Capitol Hill

Amid the hustle and bustle of the chaos on Capitol Hill this week, one image caught the eye of many Americans: congressman-elect George Santos sitting by himself, surrounded only by children and seemingly shunned by his new colleagues in the Congress.

Mr Santos, a 34-year-old New York Republican, has come under fierce criticism from both sides of the US political spectrum after admitting that large portions of his life story were lies - including non-existent university degrees, a made-up real estate portfolio and confusion over his religion and family history.

The growing scandal marred his first day on Capitol Hill.

Mr Santos's only respite from the posse of reporters waiting for him in the hallways was on the House floor, where he largely sat by himself. When he cast his vote to elect the House speaker, a Democratic lawmaker reportedly shouted the word "mentiroso" - the Spanish word for "liar".

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