WASHINGTON — The House is anticipated to make a significant decision this week regarding the expulsion of embattled Rep. George Santos, R-N.Y. from Congress. If he is removed from office, he will join only a small group of six House lawmakers who have been ousted from their prestigious positions in American history.
Earlier this month, the House Ethics Committee released a scathing report alleging Santos blatantly stole from his own campaign, deceived donors for personal financial gain, and committed violations of federal criminal laws.
Lawmakers from both political parties have filed privileged resolutions to require a vote on the House floor this week. A privileged resolution is a procedural mechanism used to prompt the House to consider a particular measure within two legislative days.
If two-thirds of House members vote in favor, Santos will be ousted from his position. However, he will not be the first. Let’s take a look at the five House members who have been expelled throughout American history.
Civil War Expulsions
During the Civil War in 1861, three members of the House were expelled due to disloyalty to the Union. They were John Bullock Clark and John William Reid of Missouri, and Henry Cornelius Burnett of Kentucky.
Clark was the brigadier general of Missouri Confederate state troops, Reid served in the Confederate Army during the Civil War as volunteer aide to General Sterling Price, and Burnett served as a colonel in the Kentucky infantry in the Confederate Army.
Rep. Michael “Ozzie” Myers Ousted after Abscam Operation
Rep. Michael “Ozzie” Myers, D-Pa., was ousted from the House in 1980 by an overwhelming vote of 370-30 after being caught taking bribes in the Abscam sting operation.
The Abscam operation involved FBI officials posing as Middle Eastern businessmen and offering money to government officials in exchange for political favors, as per the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum. The goal was to expose corrupt public officials.
Myers was convicted of bribery and conspiracy for taking $50,000 from an undercover agent. Further, he was sentenced to 30 months in prison last year for election fraud after pleading guilty to charges related to fraudulently manipulating ballot boxes for the Democrats.
Rep. James Traficant Removed over Corruption
Traficant was expelled from Congress in 2002 by a vote of 420-1 following his conviction by a federal jury on 10 counts related to corruption, including bribery, racketeering, and tax evasion, based on the Associated Press.
Prosecutors alleged that he used his office to extract bribes from businesspeople and forced staffers to work on his farm and houseboat on the Potomac River in Washington. After his expulsion, Traficant ran as an independent candidate for another House term while in prison.
This article first appeared on USA TODAY: Who has been expelled from Congress? George Santos could join group
