Republican lawmaker George Santos simply survived a vote on Wednesday to expel him from the U.S. Home of Representatives, as most Republicans and 31 Democrats opted to withhold punishment whereas each his legal trial and a Home ethics committee investigation proceed.
The hassle to kick Santos out of the Home was led by his fellow New York Republicans, who’re anxious to distance themselves from a colleague notorious for fabricating his life story and accused of stealing from donors, mendacity to the U.S. Congress and receiving unemployment advantages he didn’t deserve.
However the decision failed to achieve the required two-thirds vote. Supporters couldn’t even acquire a easy majority, with the last vote being 179 for expulsion and 213 towards.
Speaker did not assist ouster
To succeed, quite a few Republican lawmakers would have needed to break ranks with newly elected Home Speaker Mike Johnson, who has stated Santos ought to get his day in courtroom.
Johnson, a Louisiana Republican, additionally lately advised Fox Information that if Congress goes to expel members as a result of they’re charged with against the law or accused of wrongdoing, “that is an issue.”
Some Democrats additionally voiced considerations about getting forward of the ethics committee, which issued a uncommon memo the day earlier than, citing the depth of its investigation with some 40 witnesses contacted and the issuance of 37 subpoenas. It additionally stated the subsequent steps of the committee’s investigation could be introduced by Nov. 17.
Congress has hardly ever resorted to essentially the most excessive punishment at its disposal. The Home has expelled solely 5 members in its historical past — three through the Civil Warfare and two after their convictions on public corruption costs. It could be groundbreaking for the Home to kick out Santos earlier than his case in federal courtroom is resolved.
Some Republicans favoured instant motion
Some Republicans, nevertheless, stated that they had seen sufficient of Santos. Rep. Steve Womack of Arkansas stated he believes in due course of, however he additionally thinks Santos misrepresented himself to New York voters they usually by no means would have elected him if that they had “recognized the true George Santos.”
“We do not want the Santos charade during the 2024 election cycle. I believe the Congress must take motion now,” Womack stated.
The Home flooring debate over whether or not to expel Santos was undertaken strictly by members of the New York congressional delegation.
On one facet, Republicans Anthony D’Esposito, Nick LaLota and Mike Lawler laid out their case for expelling Santos.
On the opposite facet was Santos, who appealed to lawmakers to carry off on expulsion, saying that passing judgment with out due course of would engender distrust.
“I am combating tooth and nail to clear my title in entrance of your entire world,” Santos stated. “It hasn’t been straightforward, however I am combating by God’s grace.”
