Investigations, Distrust, and Stigma: Why George Santos May Not Get Much Done in Congress

Facing investigations after lying about whether he graduated college, worked on Wall Street, founded a charity, owned rental property, and descended from Holocaust survivors, Republican Rep. George Santos of New York may find it more difficult than the typical freshman lawmaker to deliver results.  

“I don’t think that’s likely in the first couple of years,” says University of Virginia professor Craig Volden, the founder and co-director of the Center for Effective Lawmaking.  

Usually, a new member of the House of Representatives needs to focus on staffing, building relationships, and getting plum committee assignments—all of which pose particular challenges for Santos, after a New York Times investigation published in mid-December revealed significant discrepancies between his campaign biography and his actual background. On Wednesday, Republican leaders in Nassau County, where Santos’ district is based, publicly called on him to resign. 

The Center for Effective Lawmaking’s guide for new members suggests that hiring experienced staff should be a top priority for a first-term lawmaker, as it helps predict how effectively they will be able to pass laws. “It is really crucial to have people who do have experience on Capitol Hill,” says Volden. “Staffers are looking for their future careers and don’t necessarily want to be attached to anything that looks scandalous or problematic.”