George Santos Expelled
On Friday December 1, the United States Congress expelled New York Republican representative George Santos (he/him), after a damaging ethics report revealed fraudulent use of campaign funds by the now former congressman.
After dodging expulsion in early November, the House voted 311-114, with 2 present, in favor of this second expulsion vote. This second action comes after the House Ethics Committee released a 56-page report revealing a litany of campaign funds George Santos illegally spent on personal travel, hotel stays, spa visits, meals, Botox treatments, and to the luxury brand Hermes.
Compounding the House ethics report, is a 137-page vulnerability report that had been commissioned by Santos in 2021, exposing a “constant series of lies” Santos told pertaining to fraudulent claims of education from multiple institutions. Including his claims of his family’s victimization in the Holocaust, and “multiple civil judgments filed against him for owing thousands of dollars to creditors.”
Santos’ lies and involvement in criminal activities elsewhere have not gone unnoticed by the government. In October, Santos allegedly filed fraudulent fundraising reports with the FEC, to obtain financial support for his campaign and repeatedly charged the credit cards of campaign contributors without authorization. The disgraced congressman is facing a 23-count indictment in New York.
George Santos has become the sixth ever member of Congress to be expelled. Previously expelled members include John B. Clark, John W. Reid, and Henry C. Burnett; all of which were expelled in 1861 for fighting for the Confederacy. Michael J. Myers faced expulsion in 1980 after accusal of accepting a bribe in the Abscam scandal. James A. Traficant faced expulsion in 2002, following accusations of conspiracy to commit bribery.
Santos’ seat will be temporarily occupied by The House Clerk until New York Governor Kathy Hochul schedules a special election.
Santos exited Congress immediately following the vote. He remained silent among the throng of reporters seeking comment.
