House Democrats on Tuesday introduced a privileged resolution seeking the expulsion of Rep. George Santos (R-N.Y.) from Congress, prompting a procedural vote expected within two legislative days. With nearly 50 Democratic co-sponsors supporting the motion, pressure mounts on Republicans who have thus far largely stood by Santos despite calls for his resignation.
Rep. Robert Garcia (D-Calif.), initiator of the resolution, stated that "Santos needs to be expelled by the House" following news of federal prosecutors filing 13 criminal charges against him. Among these are allegations related to Covid-19 unemployment benefits fraud, misuse of campaign funds, and providing false information about personal finances on House disclosure reports.
While almost a dozen House Republicans have urged Santos to resign voluntarily; only Rep. Tony Gonzales has explicitly supported expelling him from office through this process. Nevertheless, key GOP leaders like House Speaker Kevin McCarthy continue backing Santos due in part to his vital vote in maintaining their narrow majority.
As it stands now, prospects for passing this resolution appear bleak with its success contingent upon securing a two-thirds majority vote—an improbable outcome given Republican control over the chamber's voting power.
However insignificant its chances may seem though; introducing such measures still holds symbolic significance as they force members into publicly expressing support or dissent over contentious issues like indicted congressman Santo's political future.
With time running out before Thursday afternoon's deadline for scheduling an official vote on this matter—and amidst ongoing debt ceiling battles—GOP leadership finds itself grappling with increasingly difficult choices around whether or not they should maintain ties with embattled representatives such as George Santos at risk of further tarnishing party credibility during upcoming electoral campaigns nationwide