Rep. George Santos of New York was expelled from the House of Representatives on Friday in a resounding 311 to 114 vote. Santos, who is currently facing a 23-count federal indictment for allegations of money laundering and theft of public funds, has garnered controversy since his upset victory in a Democratic-leaning swing district on suburban Long Island.
The House Ethics Committee’s report in November detailed evidence that suggested a litany of campaign finance and government ethics violations by Santos. These allegations included the improper use of campaign funds on a pornography website and Botox treatments. Despite the unanimous referral of evidence to the Department of Justice by the committee, no formal action has been taken against Santos.
Santos has chosen not to seek reelection in New York’s 3rd District, despite his defiant dismissal of the committee’s findings as a “disgusting politicized smear.” The House Ethics Committee has emphasized that Santos’ conduct warrants “public condemnation,” and his actions have brought “severe discredit” upon the House of Representatives.
The tumultuous political career of Rep. George Santos, which began with an upset victory in 2020, has been marked by a number of controversies and lies. From unsubstantiated claims of election fraud to allegations of embellished educational and professional backgrounds, Santos has been embroiled in scandal after scandal. Despite these challenges, Santos continued to deny any criminal wrongdoing and rejected persistent calls for his resignation.
