WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Ritchie Torres (NY-15) tonight issued the following statement regarding public reporting that federal prosecutors out of the Eastern District of New York have criminally charged U.S. Representative George Santos (NY-03):

“The criminal prosecution of U.S. Rep. George Santos is long overdue. He is a pathological liar and lawbreaker who lied to the voters of New York State and defrauded his way into the United States Congress. About 800,000 Americans have been continually deprived of the honest representation they deserve in the People’s House.

Although the details of the federal prosecution are not yet fully known, one thing is crystal clear – either Rep. Santos must resign or House Republican leadership, under Speaker Kevin McCarthy, must summon the courage to join House Democrats in expelling him. Rep. Santos is a deep rot of corruption at the core of Congress.”

###