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Republican Congressman Faces Expulsion Vote Amid Federal Indictment
A motion has been made in the U.S. House of Representatives to expel Republican Congressman George Santos of New York following the filing of 23 fresh federal criminal counts against him earlier this month. Rep. Anthony D’Esposito, joined by fellow New York Republicans Nick LaLota, Marc Molinaro, and Mike Lawler, spoke out against Santos, accusing him of inflating campaign fundraising numbers and charging campaign contributors’ credit cards without consent.
Representing a district that includes parts of New York City and its eastern suburbs, Santos has been embroiled in scandal since his election in November 2022 when he faced accusations of fabricating parts of his resume. Santos pleaded not guilty to the initial indictment in May and plans to do the same for the new charges. He is currently free on $500,000 bail but is due in court later this week.
Despite calls for his resignation and expulsion, Santos maintains his innocence and tweeted that he is entitled to due process. House rules require lawmakers to address privileged motions within two legislative days, and a vote is expected next Wednesday. With a narrow Republican majority of 221-212, the party’s leadership has not taken immediate action against Santos.
The newly elected Speaker, Mike Johnson, defended Santos’ right to due process in a recent interview on Fox News, stating that expulsion from Congress based solely on criminal charges could set a dangerous precedent. Republican leaders may attempt to avoid an expulsion vote by tabling the motion or referring it to a committee.
The charges against Santos include false statements, aggravated identity theft, and credit card fraud, alleging that he used the credit card information of previous campaign donors to make additional contributions. Democrats have consistently called for Santos’ expulsion, and over a dozen Republicans have joined them in doing so.
