Rep. George Santos (R-N.Y.) is bracing for his expulsion from the House following serious accusations of campaign finance violations and other misconduct. Despite surviving two previous expulsion attempts, the embattled congressman believes his time in Congress is nearing an end.
"I know I'm going to get expelled when this expulsion resolution goes to the floor," Santos stated during an X Spaces session. His tenure in Congress has been marked by controversy, with the House Ethics Committee initiating an investigation in March 2023 amid allegations of campaign finance irregularities and deceptive biographical claims.
Santos, who was charged with 23 criminal counts, including wire fraud, money laundering, theft of public funds, and making false statements, has pleaded not guilty to all charges. Despite this, he has announced that he will not seek reelection, though he plans to continue serving until his term officially ends.
"I'm not running for reelection because I don't want to work with a bunch of hypocrites," Santos remarked, expressing his disillusionment with the political environment in Congress.
In a fiery tirade, Santos accused fellow members of Congress of engaging in inappropriate behaviors, suggesting a need for an ethics investigation into their actions. His frustrations stem from what he perceives as hypocrisy and deceit within the political institution, and he plans to challenge the expulsion measure vigorously.
House Ethics Committee Chair Michael Guest (R-Miss.) has introduced a resolution to expel Santos, and the measure is expected to be brought to the floor when the House reconvenes. Santos, however, remains defiant in the face of these challenges, stating, "If you want to expel me, I'll wear it like a badge of honor. I'm not leaving."
Rep. Robert Garcia (D-Calif.) joined the conversation, urging Santos to apologize directly to voters and resign, warning him of the impending vote to expel. The Ethics Committee's comprehensive 56-page report details a "complex web of unlawful activity" involving Santos, underscoring the gravity of the allegations against him.
Despite the looming expulsion and ongoing legal battles, Santos hinted at remaining politically active, not ruling out a future run for office. "I definitely will not be going away... elected office is not off the table," he declared.
Santos's case has become a focal point in Congress, with many lawmakers reversing their previous positions against expulsion. The upcoming vote is expected to garner significant Republican support, potentially sealing Santos's fate in the House.
This development is closely watched, as Santos's likely expulsion and the controversies surrounding his tenure continue to shape the political landscape and discourse within and beyond the halls of Congress.
