New York Rep. George Santos finds himself at a critical juncture as the U.S. House of Representatives prepares for an extraordinary third vote on his expulsion. In the face of mounting controversies and legal challenges, Santos remains defiant, confronting the possibility of becoming only the sixth lawmaker in House history to be expelled.
During a speech on the House floor, Santos addressed the impending vote with a tone of unwavering defiance. “It’s the third time we are going through this. I don’t care,” he declared, underscoring his resistance to the growing calls for his departure.
This third expulsion vote follows two prior unsuccessful attempts to remove Santos. However, the stakes are significantly higher now, following a damning report from the House Ethics Committee. The report, the result of a nine-month investigation, outlined a series of alleged ethical breaches and unlawful activities involving Santos’ campaign and personal finances.
Santos Criticizes the Expulsion Process
In his address to the House, Santos criticized the expulsion process, asserting that it sets a dangerous precedent. “This expulsion vote simply undermines and underscores the precedent that we’ve had in this chamber,” he contended. He also raised concerns about the constitutional implications of the vote, questioning, “Are we to now assume that one is no longer innocent until proven guilty?”
Despite the severity of the allegations against him, Santos has steadfastly refused to resign, affirming his commitment to serving out his term.
Push for Third Vote Gains Momentum
The momentum towards this third expulsion vote gained traction when California Democratic Rep. Robert Garcia filed a measure compelling the House to take swift action. In response, House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Louisiana Republican, announced that a vote on Santos’ future would be conducted on Friday.
The upcoming vote on Santos’ future presents a pivotal test for the House of Representatives, raising significant questions about the standards for Congressional conduct and the balance between due process and ethical responsibility.
Santos has further announced his intention to hold a press conference from the steps of the Capitol on Thursday morning, adding to the escalating drama surrounding his situation.
