Several House Republicans are cautioning their colleagues following the expulsion of former New York Rep. George Santos, who faced felony charges related to his 2022 campaign activities. The House voted 311 to 114, well above the required two-thirds majority for removal. House Ethics Committee Chairman Michael Guest sponsored the expulsion bill after a report found “significant evidence” of Santos’ criminal actions. Rep. Cory Mills highlighted in a video that historically, only five members had been expelled, emphasizing the gravity of such a decision.
The bottom line is today’s unprecedented action taken by the House could influence and endanger George Santos’ right to a fair trial by playing judge, jury, and executioner.
Click here to listen to my full statement on the expulsion of Rep. Santos. pic.twitter.com/ofR4HvHQ91
— Rep. Cory Mills 🇺🇸 (@RepMillsPress) December 1, 2023
He noted further: “We set a very dangerous precedent in America when this institution is allowed to expel and play judge, juror, and executioner on someone who had not had yet their constitutional right to have their day in court to approach their accusers before a jury of their peers.”
Despite last-minute opposition from all four top GOP House leaders, which slightly weakened Republican support, the motion still comfortably passed. In November, Santos declared he wouldn’t seek reelection after a damning House Ethics Committee finding regarding potential criminal conduct.
“Chairman Guest feels that the evidence uncovered in the Committee’s investigation is more than sufficient to warrant punishment and that the most appropriate punishment is expulsion,” Republican Rep. Michael Guest’s office told Fox News.
“So, separate from the committee process and his role as chairman, he plans to file an expulsion resolution during tomorrow’s 9:00 a.m. pro forma session.”
The committee’s report detailed Santos’ actions, stating that he “knowingly caused his campaign committee to file false or incomplete reports with the Federal Election Commission; used campaign funds for personal purposes; engaged in fraudulent conduct in connection with RedStone Strategies LLC, and knowingly and willfully violated the Ethics in Government Act concerning his Financial Disclosure (FD) Statements filed with the House.”
Among the findings was $50,000 in campaign donations transferred to the congressman’s personal account on Oct. 21, 2022, allegedly used for various personal expenses, including “paying down personal credit card bills and other debt, making a $4,127.80 purchase at Hermes, and smaller purchases at OnlyFans, Sephora, as well as for meals and parking.”