Republicans defend George Santos as report details alleged sick dog fraud

Small business panel chair defends seat for freshman despite claim fabulist congressman bilked veteran out of $3,000 to save dog's life

The chairman of one of two House committees on which George Santos will sit has defended the decision, despite the New York Republican's resume having been shown to be largely made up, and amid allegations of deceitful and criminal behaviour now including bilking a disabled veteran out of $3,000 raised to save the life of his dog, and fabricating a story about his mother surviving the 9/11 attacks.

The disabled veteran, Richard Osthoff, told the news site Patch he was crying his eyes out remembering Sapphire's last day".