Santos Expulsion Debate Leads To Friday Vote On House Floor

WASHINGTON, DC — The stage is set for Rep. George Santos facing another expulsion vote on Friday. The resolution was debated on the House floor Thursday afternoon led by Rep. Anthony D'Esposito (R-Island Park) and Rep. Michael Guest (R-Mississippi), chairman of the House Ethics Committee, who outlined why Santos should be removed from office.

"The investigative subcommittee found substantial evidence that he used campaign funds for personal purposes. It found substantial evidence that he engaged in fraudulent conduct," Guest said. "It found substantial evidence that Mr. Santos did knowingly and willfully engage in violations of the Ethics and Government Act. I would ask that all members vote to support the expulsion of Representative Santos."

Despite the "substantial evidence," Santos said he hasn't been convicted of any crime. He has pleaded not guilty to 23 federal charges. Five past members of the House were expelled, none, though, before a conviction.

"The people of the 3rd District of New York sent me here," Santos said. "If they want me out, they're going to have to go silence those people and take the hard vote."

In support of his remaining in Congress, Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Florida) pointed to a double standard.

"Whatever Mr. Santos did with Botox or OnlyFans is far less concerning to me than the indictment against Senator Menendez, who's holding gold bars from Egypt while he's still getting classified briefings today," Gaetz said.

Santos, whose resume came under scrutiny following his election last year, said: "I came here to do work. I came here to pass and to work on conservative legislation."

Rep. Nick LaLota (R-Suffolk) is among those planning to vote in favor of expulsion.

"New Yorkers from Queens and Nassau counties deserve better than George Santos, a total fraud and a serial liar representing them in Congress."