The U.S. House of Representatives will vote tonight on a resolution to expel Rep. George Santos, a gay New York Congressman, who is facing multiple federal charges. The resolution, introduced by Santos’s fellow Republicans from New York, comes as Santos faces an increasing number of legal challenges. Despite pleading not guilty to 10 new felony charges, adding to his initial 13-count indictment, Santos remains defiant.
The discussions surrounding Santos’s potential expulsion have gained significant attention in Washington D.C., with a fresh resolution for removal being tabled by Rep. Anthony D’Esposito last week. During a discussion on Fox News between the new Republican Speaker of the House, Mike Johnson, and Sean Hannity, Johnson emphasized the importance of due process, highlighting that Santos has not yet been convicted.
For the expulsion resolution to succeed, a substantial two-thirds majority is required in the House, which corresponds to 289 votes out of the current 433 members. This presents a significant hurdle for the resolution to overcome in order to gain approval.
Previous attempts to expel Santos, including an initiative by Democratic California Congressman Robert Garcia in May, demonstrate the complex political landscape surrounding this case. However, these efforts did not culminate in a vote.
As the evening vote approaches, Rep. Garcia posted a video on social media, symbolizing his intention to vote for Santos’s expulsion. The video shows a model making a grand entrance on a runway, captioned, “Me heading to the House floor tonight to vote to expel George Santos.”
Additionally, the House will also address resolutions concerning Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene from Georgia. Alongside the deliberations on Santos’s case, the chamber will vote on a Democratic resolution to censure Greene for her controversial actions and remarks. The resolution was introduced by Rep. Rebecca Balint, who is openly lesbian.
Amidst the political and legal turmoil, Santos remains resolute. Earlier this week, he took to X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, to express his position ahead of the crucial Wednesday vote. Santos wrote a defiant message, stating that he will not beg for his constitutional rights and will let his colleagues make their decision without interference.
Apart from the criminal charges, Santos has also faced accusations of lying about various aspects of his life, such as his education, work history, religion, his mother’s death, and his involvement in drag events. He is also under investigation by the House Ethics Committee for alleged financial misconduct and sexual misconduct.
This story is still developing, and further updates are expected.
