He had previously billed himself as "the full embodiment of the American dream" - an openly gay child of Brazilian immigrants who rose to the upper echelons of Wall Street before entering the world of politics.

But following his election in the November midterms, Mr Santos' life story began to unravel after various US news outlets uncovered a series of falsehoods.

A Newsday/Siena poll published on Tuesday showed that a vast majority - 78% - of voters in Mr Santos's district wanted him to resign, including 71% of Republicans.

Almost a month into the new session of the US House of Representatives, George Santos's serial fabrications of his record, along with legal questions involving the financing of his campaign, continue to bedevil the Republicans who are now in control of the chamber.

This move is likely part of an effort by Mr Santos and House Republicans to turn down the heat they're feeling both from the public and their own party - without taking the step to remove him from office or having him quit.

Mr Santos's decision could help calm the waters - or at least prevent the circus that surrounds him from spilling over into committee activities, where Republicans trying to get down to the business of passing legislation do not want unnecessary distractions.