A resolution to expel freshman Long Island and Queens Congressman, Rep. George Santos, has been introduced by a House Democrat after Santos was arraigned on federal charges of embezzling campaign funds and lying about his finances. The measure is privileged, meaning it may take precedence over ordinary House business and must be voted on within two days of its introduction.
The resolution will likely not pass the GOP-controlled House but could force Republicans to go on the record about their truth-challenged colleague. A two-thirds majority is needed to expel Santos, who would be just the third House lawmaker to meet that fate since the Civil War. If convicted of these serious charges, he could face up to 20 years in prison.
Rep. George Santos has been charged with various crimes including wire fraud, money laundering, and theft of public funds. While most House votes are majority rule, this resolution will need a two-thirds majority for expulsion approval—an unusually high threshold for such measures.
If every House Democrat supports this measure against Rep. George Santos (R-N.Y.), roughly one-third of the Republican conference would also have to support it in order for expulsion proceedings against him to move forward successfully.
House Speaker Kevin McCarthy suggested that if successful in passing Garcia's resolution through a rapid vote process; then the matter should be referred immediately onto an expedited review by The Ethics Committee at large without delay or further obstruction from either party involved here today."
On Tuesday five Democrats moved ahead with forcing a vote regarding expulsion due largely because they believe senior Republicans' defense tactics thus far seem overly aggressive when considering all known facts surrounding recent indictments brought forth against our fellow congressman Mr., especially considering his admission earlier this year about falsifying critical details related directly towards both educational/work experience claims made during official filings submitted while under oath sworn testimony provided as part rules governing election law compliance requirements imposed under federal statutes.
This standoff between House Democrats and Republicans may come to a head in the next couple of days. Rep. Daniel Goldman (D-N.Y.) and Rep. Ritchie Torres (D) have called for Santos to be expelled from the House, opposing McCarthy's tactic of referring it to the Ethics Committee instead.
Only two lawmakers have been expelled from Congress since the post-Civil War era, both after being convicted of crimes – unlike Santos who has only been indicted thus far. The vote is expected by Thursday on whether to consider expulsion or not, with Democrats pushing hard for this outcome.
In anticipation of an up-or-down vote on the resolution itself, Democrats are expected to make a motion that would refer it back to the House Ethics Committee where a simple majority - 218 votes - would suffice for success. However, should proceedings continue forward as currently planned; then passage becomes much less likely due primarily because expelling any member requires at least 290 votes total which remains highly doubtful given present circumstances surrounding recent developments involving ongoing investigations into potential fraudulent activities allegedly committed during past elections campaigns conducted throughout various districts located within New York State alone over last several years prior leading up until now even amidst growing calls demanding immediate resignation coming from top-ranking officials representing both major political parties alike here today