Democrats on the move to expel indicted George Santos from Congress

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
17 May 2023 08:58

Democrats introduce a resolution to expel indicted Republican Rep. George Santos from Congress, and since the resolution is privileged, the Republican-controlled House must act on it in the next two days.

US Representative George Santos (R-NY) departs his office to attend a House vote on Capitol Hill, on January 12, 2023. (Reuters)

Democrats introduced a resolution to expel the scandal-plagued New York Republican representative George Santos from Congress.

Since the resolution is privileged, the Republican-controlled House must act on it in the next two days. It would need a two-thirds majority vote to pass and oust Santos, which would require a significant bipartisan effort.

Santos, who represents a portion of Long Island, has been the subject of intense scrutiny following revelations that he fabricated parts of his biography and questions about his finances. The New York Republican has admitted to falsifying his resume but insists on remaining in Congress, claiming that his constituents sent him to Washington to serve.

Last week, Santos was indicted with many charges of wire fraud, money laundering, public money theft, and lying to Congress by federal prosecutors. He appeared in court on Long Island and denied all charges while arguing that he was the target of a political witch hunt.

The Republican congressman's next court appearance is scheduled for June 30.

The big picture

Now, House Democrats have started a political ploy intended to get Republicans to either abandon Santos or openly support him.

A resolution submitted by California Democrat Robert Garcia needs approval from two-thirds of House members in order to pass. Within two days, the resolution might be put to a vote.

On Tuesday, Garcia told journalists, “The Republicans in the House are actually going to have to go on record and make a decision about if they’re actually going to stand for truth and accountability, or if they’re going to stand with someone that’s clearly a liar.”

While some Republicans have called on Santos to resign, party officials have so far backed him, arguing that he has a right to seek acquittal while serving as a representative for his area.

Democrats are more likely than Republicans to win Santos' seat should it become vacant.

It is worth noting that Santos gave Speaker Kevin McCarthy 15 votes in January amid a far-right uprising.

Only five House members have ever been dismissed. Three people were expelled for supporting the Confederacy during the American Civil War. After being found guilty of offenses, two were expelled.

On Tuesday, Garcia said as quoted by MSNBC that McCarthy had “lost all control of his caucus. He needs Santos for key votes on the on the deficit, on the budget, and so … he’s been working with literally a liar and a huge fraudster in Congress."

“So now McCarthy’s going to actually have to make a choice, if he will support George Santos … or if he’s actually going to listen to the American people; And so we’re gonna continue to push this as best possible. We think it’s absolutely the right approach. And we’ve given plenty of time to George Santos to resign. We’ve been calling for his resignation for months and for months. It’s time for him to do the right thing,” he added.