US (Washington Insider Magazine) —In a significant move on Wednesday, the House voted against expelling Representative George Santos, a decision that preserves the Republican Party’s thin majority but has sparked debate across the political spectrum. The resolution, filed by members of Santos’s own New York delegation, aimed to oust him due to a series of criminal charges, including money laundering, theft of public funds, and identity theft. Santos, who pleaded not guilty to all 23 counts, continues to face legal challenges and growing scrutiny.
The vote required a two-thirds majority but fell short, ending with a 213-179 split that did not even achieve a simple majority. This outcome maintains Santos’s position, even as he remains embroiled in controversy over allegedly fabricating his resume and has faced repeated calls to step down from both parties.
House Republicans showed stark division on the matter. Speaker Mike Johnson voiced opposition to Santos’s expulsion, suggesting it was premature since Santos has yet to be convicted. Some Republicans warned that expelling him without a conviction could set a risky precedent, while others emphasized the moral imperative to act against what they call “unfit” behavior. Only five members in the history of Congress have been removed through expulsion, and three of those were for Civil War-related treason, underscoring the rarity of such a measure.
The House Ethics Committee, investigating Santos, has pledged to provide an update by November 17, potentially offering clarity on the legal front. The outcome of this vote raises questions about accountability standards in Congress and reveals the complexities facing Republicans as they balance party interests with public trust.
The failed vote allows Santos to remain in Congress, where he plans to seek re-election in 2024, further testing the GOP’s stance on ethical responsibility.
