Title: House Votes to Expel Rep. George Santos for Alleged Finance Crimes
Subheading: Shrinking GOP Majority
In a historic move, the House voted on Friday to expel Representative George Santos, a Republican from New York, for alleged finance crimes and campaign lies. The expulsion of Santos has significantly reduced the GOP’s already slim majority in the House of Representatives.
The measure to oust Santos was passed by a vote of 311-114, with the support of two-thirds of the chamber. With his expulsion, Santos has become the sixth House member in U.S. history to be booted from Congress, and the third since the Civil War.
Impact on GOP Majority
The removal of Santos has reduced the number of House Republicans to 221, while there are 213 Democrats. This makes it even more challenging for the GOP majority to pass legislation without Democratic support.
Special Election in New York’s 3rd District
Democrats see Santos’s seat as a prime pickup opportunity. Under New York law, Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul has 10 days to announce a special election to fill his seat, with the vote expected to take place in late February.
Democratic Response
Governor Hochul has expressed her readiness to undertake the responsibility of filling the vacancy in New York’s 3rd District. Former Democratic Rep. Tom Suozzi, who had previously held the seat, has already launched a campaign to take it back.
Republican Leaders’ Opposition
Notably, House Republican leaders, including Speaker Mike Johnson and Majority Whip Steve Scalise, had opposed the expulsion resolution, expressing wariness about ousting one of their colleagues.
Scandals and Allegations Against Santos
Santos has faced a series of scandals, including lying about his professional and educational background shortly after winning the seat in 2022. The release of a scathing House Ethics report in mid-November further damaged his reputation. The report concluded that Santos had “blatantly stole from his campaign” and spent the donors’ money on personal luxuries and expenses.
Criminal Charges
In addition to the ethical violations, Santos has been charged with nearly two dozen counts of crimes, including identity theft, submitting false campaign finance reports, and stealing unemployment money. Although he pleaded not guilty to the criminal charges, the allegations have significantly tarnished his image.
Future Updates
The expulsion of Rep. Santos marks a significant development in the political landscape, with potential implications for both parties. This breaking news story is expected to evolve, and readers are advised to stay tuned for further updates.
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