The House expels Rep. George Santos. An ethics report had accused him of breaking federal law

In a momentous decision, the House of Representatives voted to expel Republican Representative George Santos of New York on Friday. This expulsion was prompted by a damning ethics report that accused him of violating federal laws. Santos, once hailed as a rising star in politics after winning a district previously held by Democrats, saw his political career crumble in the face of mounting scandals.

The vote to expel Santos was decisive, with 311 members in favor and 114 opposed, easily surpassing the two-thirds majority required for expulsion. Notably, while House Republican leaders initially resisted his removal, 105 GOP lawmakers eventually sided with the majority of Democrats in favor of expulsion.

Santos’ downfall began even before he assumed office, as reports emerged of falsehoods in his background, including claims of Jewish ancestry, a prestigious Wall Street career, and a college degree, all of which were later debunked. In May, federal prosecutors indicted Santos on multiple charges, turning his presence in the House into a growing distraction and source of embarrassment for the Republican party.

Santos now joins a rare list of lawmakers expelled from the House, distinguished by the uniqueness of his situation. Unlike previous expulsions, which primarily resulted from siding with the Confederacy during the Civil War or criminal convictions in federal court, Santos’ expulsion was based on ethical and legal violations.

During the debate over his expulsion, Santos appealed to his colleagues to let the court process proceed before taking such drastic action. He warned of the precedent they would set by expelling a member who had not yet been convicted of a crime.

As it became evident that his expulsion was imminent, Santos appeared resigned to his fate. He donned his overcoat, shook hands with conservative members who supported him, and left the House. House Speaker Mike Johnson, who voted against expulsion, solemnly declared the New York seat vacant.

Interestingly, Santos’ fellow Republicans from New York played a prominent role in advocating for his expulsion, distancing themselves from him due to his history of falsehoods.

The catalyst for Santos’ expulsion was a scathing House Ethics Committee report, released after eight months of investigation, which found “overwhelming evidence” of lawbreaking and misuse of his public position for personal gain.

Santos’ legal troubles are far from over, as he is scheduled to face trial in New York next year. He faces a 23-count indictment that accuses him of defrauding donors, embezzling campaign funds, and lying to Congress.

With Santos’ removal, the Republican majority in the House narrows to 221-213, providing Democrats with an opportunity to fill the vacancy through a special election. Governor Kathy Hochul, a Democrat, indicated her readiness to call for a special election, likely in mid-to-late February, according to state law.

This special election sets the stage for a highly competitive year of congressional races in New York as Democrats seek to regain control of the House. Numerous candidates, including former U.S. Rep. Tom Suozzi, are vying for Santos’ seat.

Although expelled from office, Santos retains certain privileges as a former member, including access to the House floor and interaction with current members, subject to House rules and restrictions.

In conclusion, George Santos’ expulsion from the House of Representatives marks a significant moment in congressional history, driven by ethics violations and legal troubles that ultimately led to his removal from office. This decision has profound implications for both the political landscape in New York and the balance of power in the House of Representatives.

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More about Expulsion

• House Votes to Expel George Santos
• Ethics Report on George Santos
• Expulsion Process in the House of Representatives
• George Santos’ Legal Troubles
• Special Election in New York