House Votes to Expel Rep. George Santos for Finance Crimes and Campaign Lies
The House of Representatives voted Friday to expel Rep. George Santos, a Republican from New York, for alleged finance crimes and campaign lies, further dwindling the GOP’s slim majority. This marks a significant move in the political landscape of the U.S.
Expulsion from Congress
The lawmakers voted 311-114 to oust the New York Republican, with the measure requiring the support of two-thirds of the chamber to pass. Santos becomes the sixth House member in U.S. history to be booted from Congress, and the third since the Civil War. The removal of Santos reduces the number of House Republicans to 221, with 213 Democrats. This makes it even more challenging for the GOP majority to pass legislation without Democratic support.
Political Implications
The Democrats see Santos’ seat as a prime opportunity for pickup, as New York law gives Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul 10 days to announce a special election to fill his seat, with a vote to be held sometime in late February. Hochul expressed her readiness to fill the vacancy in New York’s 3rd District, saying, “The people of Long Island deserve nothing less.” Former Democratic Rep. Tom Suozzi has already launched a campaign to take back the seat in New York’s 3rd congressional district, creating further political implications.
Republican Response
House Republican leaders, including Speaker Mike Johnson and Majority Whip Steve Scalise, had initially opposed the expulsion resolution, expressing wariness about ousting one of their colleagues. However, the calculus for Republicans changed following the release of a scathing House Ethics report in mid-November about Santos.
Scandals and Charges
The GOP-led panel found that Santos “blatantly stole from his campaign” and spent the donors’ money on luxury items and expenses. Scandals have defined the New York Republican’s brief time in office, as he admitted to lying about his professional and educational background shortly after winning the seat in 2022. Santos has since been charged with nearly two dozen counts of crimes including identity theft, submitting false campaign finance reports and stealing unemployment money. He has pleaded not guilty to the criminal charges.
Looking Ahead
The expulsion of Rep. George Santos has created a significant shift in the political landscape, with Democrats eyeing the vacant seat as an opportunity for a pickup. The implications of this expulsion will likely have far-reaching effects on both the GOP’s agenda and the upcoming special election in New York’s 3rd District. This is a developing story, and further updates are expected as the political landscape continues to evolve.
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