Rep. George Santos Survives House Expulsion Vote Amid Federal Charges and Ethics Investigation

Santos survives an expulsion vote of 179 to 213 spearheaded by New York Republicans despite facing 23 federal charges, with the House Ethics Committee set to announce its investigation's next course of action by November 17.

Rep. George Santos (R-NY) narrowly survived an expulsion vote, which ended in favor of him by 179 to 213. This marks a significant victory for Rep. Santos, considering his fellow New York Republicans initiated the vote.
Santos was able to maintain his position in the House despite facing multiple federal charges including conspiracy, wire and credit card fraud, making false statements and records, and aggravated identity theft.
The House Ethics Committee’s ongoing investigation into Santos played a key role in his survival, as it plans to announce its next course of action in the Santos inquiry by November 17, provoking some members to hold off on support for expulsion.
While Santos managed to retain his position, his reputation has incurred significant damage, having been named by Rep. Anthony D’Esposito, the resolution leader, as a “stain on the institution” who is “not fit to serve his constituents.
Citing the unprecedented aspect of expelling a member without conviction and preserving the 'four-seat majority,' the speaker of the House, Mike Johnson, and some other Republicans voiced concerns. This illustrates the delicate balance between ethical responsibility and political strategy within the House.