For the first time in over 20 years, and only the sixth time in American history, a member of the House of Representatives has been expelled from the chamber.
The lies and financial fiddling became too much for the colleagues who, by a near three-quarters majority – 311 to 114 – voted out Santos, who represents parts of Queens and Long Island in New York.
– Why would I want to stay here? To hell with this place, the 35-year-old said on his way out of the Capitol before realizing he was officially no longer an elected representative.
– You know what? Since I am no longer a member of Congress, I no longer need to answer your questions.
Didn’t want to resign
His party colleagues had tried to persuade Santos to throw in the towel on his own, but he would rather see a vote. Quitting would only make “the others” win, he said.
He had already survived two previous impeachment votes, but after a scathing report from the House Ethics Committee in November, he could not hang on for long.
Among other things, the report concluded that Santos cannot be trusted, and the report’s authors, led by Republican Michael Guest, said they had gathered “overwhelming evidence” of law-breaking. Among other things, he is said to have booked botox treatment, luxury shopping at Hermès and casino visits as campaign expenses.
Charged with 23 counts
He faces a 23-count federal indictment for violating campaign finance laws and fraud, among other charges. The trial will not begin until next fall.
George Santos was expelled from Congress with immediate effect and his district will be without a representative until a new one is elected in a by-election. However, his employees may continue to work and assist the district’s residents.
The last time a member of Congress was expelled was in 2002, when Democrat James Traficant of Ohio was forced to leave the chamber after being convicted of a string of crimes.