Last night, New York Republicans were set to vote on representative George Santos’ precarious position in the House. Santos has been indicted on federal fraud charges for stealing from some of his donors. He is also in New York republicans' crosshairs for fabricating his background to appeal to voters, lying to Congress, and receiving unemployment benefits he did not deserve.
Despite the long list of complaints against him, most Republicans voted against an ouster, and Santos easily held onto his mantle.
Congress has only expelled five members throughout its long history. None of them were kicked out before a jury made their sentencing. And yet, it wasn’t all that long ago–May of 2022–when House Republicans overruled a Democratic motion to push ahead on charges against George Santos, sweeping the issue aside.
It seems history has once again repeated itself.
To expel Santos, the resolution needed the support of at least two-thirds of voting lawmakers, but the vote did not even gain a simple majority, the final tally showing 179 for expulsion and 213 against.
Newly elected House Speaker Mike Johnson argued that Santos should be given a fair trial before his fate as representative is sealed. This seemed to be a common thought amongst republican lawmakers who voted against Santos’ expulsion. They are looking to withhold punishment until his trial is concluded and the House Ethics Committee investigation is finalized.
Other New York Republicans, however, do not share his sentiment. Representative Anthony D’Esposito, who officially put forth Santos’ ouster last week, called him a quote “stain” on Congressional proceedings, and Representative Steve Womack said he and other voters were sick of the quote “Santos charade.”
Despite the slim majority held by the GOP, these lawmakers argue that the George Santos’ unseemly actions supersede politics. It was said to be a quote “moral” issue.
But it’s an issue whose resolution must come later, to be decided by Santos’ trial and the ethics committee findings.
One thing is for certain: the failed Santos expulsion is not the end of this conversation.
Sources:
Rep. George Santos is facing an effort by fellow New York Republicans to expel him from the House
House to vote on whether to expel Rep. George Santos from Congress
Rep. George Santos is facing an effort by fellow New York Republicans to expel him from the House
