WASHINGTON D.C. – U.S. Representatives Ritchie Torres (NY-15) and Dan Goldman (NY-10) today announced they are joining forces to introduce the “Stopping Another Non-Truthful Office Seeker” – or “SANTOS” – Act in the 118th Congress.
“I am appalled at the level to which George Santos has purposefully and continually lied to the American public about every facet of his professional and personal life,” said Rep. Torres. “His deception is a stain on our Democratic process and threatens to corrupt the very institution in which I am deeply humbled and proud to serve. We must work to ensure that our elected leaders are being truthful and transparent with voters, and I remain as committed as ever to doing just that.”
“The web of lies George Santos used to defraud his voters is a threat to our free and fair elections, and we have an obligation to ensure nothing like this ever happens again,” said Rep. Goldman. “His entire candidacy for Congress was predicated on a campaign of disinformation designed to deceive the voters. Santos lied about this entire biography and resume, including religion, family history, education, and professional experience. I am proud to join my fellow New York Congressman Ritchie Torres to introduce this critical piece of legislation to safeguard the democratic process.”
The “SANTOS” Act amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 and would require any candidate for Congress to file additional information about their educational background, military service, and employment history.
A candidate who knowingly and willfully provides false information would be punished with a $100,000 fine, one year in prison, or both.
The “SANTOS” Act would apply to federal elections held on or after the day in which it is signed into law.