Republican forces vote to expel Rep. Santos from New York.
Republican Congressman Pushes to Oust Colleague Charged with 23 Crimes
Rep. Anthony D’Esposito (R-N.Y.) is taking a stand against his fellow New Yorker and Republican Rep. George Santos, who is facing federal charges for fabricating aspects of his background and engaging in various illegal activities. D’Esposito is forcing a vote on his resolution to remove Santos from his congressional seat.
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10/10/2023“George Santos engaged in election fraud throughout his 2022 campaign by deceiving voters regarding his biography, defrauding donors, and engaging in other illegal campaign behavior,” said D’Esposito, emphasizing that Santos is unfit to serve his constituents.
D’Esposito initially filed the resolution on Oct. 11, and now, with a House speaker in place, he seeks to secure a vote on the matter within two legislative days.
The House is expected to consider the measure early next week.
“While George Santos is entitled to his day in court to plead his innocence, the people of New York’s Third Congressional District deserve a representative who is solely focused on serving the public and not spending the majority of their time combating 23 federal charges such as wire fraud, money laundering, and theft of public funds,” stated D’Esposito.
Mr. Santos responded to the resolution by asserting his right to due process and expressing his determination to remain in office.
Due Process
In May, Mr. Santos pleaded not guilty to the initial 13 charges filed against him. On Oct. 27, he was arraigned on 10 additional charges. A trial has been tentatively scheduled for next September.
Among the newer allegations against Santos is the misuse of campaign donors’ credit cards and making false statements to the Federal Election Commission.
The push to expel Santos has gained support from other Republican congressmen, including Rep. Nick LaLota of New York’s 1st Congressional District.
However, for the resolution to pass, it will require the backing of two-thirds of the House, meaning both Republicans and Democrats must support it.
Earlier this year, Democrats introduced their own resolution to expel Santos, which was referred to the House Ethics Committee after a party-line vote.
When asked about the latest expulsion attempt, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) emphasized Santos’s right to due process.
Expelling members of Congress solely based on criminal charges is a rare occurrence, with only 20 individuals being expelled in the history of Congress.
The Associated Press and Reuters contributed to this report.
What is the argument made by D’Esposito for removing Santos from office, and what does it say about the importance of holding elected officials accountable
It has gained support from several Republican colleagues who agree that Santos should be removed from office. The resolution cites the 23 crimes that Santos has been charged with, including wire fraud, conspiracy, and making false statements to federal officials.
The charges against Santos stem from an investigation into his background, which revealed that he had fabricated aspects of his education and professional experience. He also allegedly used campaign funds for personal expenses and engaged in other illegal activities.
D’Esposito argues that these actions not only betray the trust of voters but undermine the integrity of the democratic process. He believes that it is essential to hold elected officials accountable for their actions, regardless of their political affiliation.
Critics of D’Esposito’s resolution argue that it is politically motivated and an attempt to score points within the Republican Party. They contend that Santos should be presumed innocent until proven guilty and that removing him from office before his trial would deny him due process.
D’Esposito, however, maintains that the charges against Santos are serious and that they warrant immediate action. He argues that allowing Santos to remain in office while facing these charges sends the message that criminal behavior is acceptable for elected officials.
The resolution to remove Santos from his congressional seat will be put to a vote in the coming weeks. If successful, it would require a two-thirds majority in the House of Representatives. D’Esposito is hopeful that his colleagues will recognize the gravity of the charges against Santos and put the interests of the American people above party loyalty.
This case highlights the importance of accountability and integrity in public office. Elected officials have a duty to uphold the law and act in the best interests of their constituents. When that trust is breached, it is the responsibility of their colleagues and the American people to hold them accountable.
Regardless of the outcome of the vote on D’Esposito’s resolution, the fact that a fellow Republican congressman is pushing for the ousting of a colleague charged with multiple crimes is a significant development. It demonstrates a commitment to ethical governance and may serve as a deterrent for other politicians who may consider engaging in similar illegal activities.
Ultimately, the fate of George Santos will be decided by the legal system. However, the actions of Rep. Anthony D’Esposito and his fellow Republicans highlight the importance of upholding the principles of honesty, integrity, and accountability in public office. The American people deserve elected officials who can be trusted to serve their interests with the utmost ethics and professionalism.
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