This week, the U.S. House of Representatives is moving forward with efforts to expel Rep. George Santos, R-N.Y., marking the second such vote this month. Santos, who has faced allegations of lying about his background and pleaded not guilty to multiple federal charges, previously survived a similar vote on November 1. However, he now anticipates being removed from office.
The motion to expel Santos gained momentum following a comprehensive report from the House Ethics Committee, which was released just before the Thanksgiving recess. This report has influenced many lawmakers who initially voted against expulsion to reconsider their stance. To expel a member from Congress, a two-thirds majority vote is required.
House Ethics Committee Chairman Michael Guest, R-Miss., led the initiative to introduce a resolution to expel Santos. With the resolution deemed “privileged,” it requires a vote on the House floor within two legislative days. The resolution could be tabled or sent to a committee, but its advancement indicates growing discontent with Santos among his peers.
The pressure on Santos increased with a competing resolution filed by Democratic Rep. Robert Garcia of California, although the GOP-controlled House is expected to prioritize Guest’s resolution. The Ethics Committee’s investigation into Santos, triggered by a previous resolution, culminated in the damning report detailing his alleged misconduct, including misuse of campaign funds and deception.
Santos has denied any wrongdoing and emphasized the consequences of setting a precedent by expelling him before his trial in September. Despite this, members like former Ethics Committee Chair Zoe Lofgren, D-Calif., who previously voted against expulsion, are now prepared to vote for it, citing the detailed and bipartisan nature of the Ethics report.
Santos’ potential expulsion poses a challenge for the Republican majority, which is already thin. His removal would reduce the GOP majority, with further implications for upcoming legislative decisions, including government funding. This situation puts additional pressure on House leadership, including Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., and complicates the management of the Republican conference.
