The notorious five congressmen expelled from the House
Lawmakers on the Brink: Rep. George Santos Faces Possible Expulsion from Congress
Lawmakers rarely face expulsion from Congress, with only five individuals in United States history being removed from the House of Representatives. However, the embattled Rep. George Santos (R-NY) may soon join this exclusive list.
The majority of expulsions in the House occurred during the Civil War, but removals have happened as recently as 2002. Santos finds himself in jeopardy as he is expected to face another expulsion vote this week. A damning report has accused the New York Republican of lying and misallocating campaign funds.
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Here are the five lawmakers in the House who were successfully removed from office:
- Three Civil War Men
Congress faced numerous challenges during the four years of the Civil War, including the decision to expel three Southerners from the lower chamber. These individuals had supported their states’ efforts to secede from the Union. The ousted representatives were Missouri Reps. John Reid and John Clark, as well as Kentucky Rep. Henry Burnett. They were accused of aiding their states in secession, helping establish an alternative government in the South, and aligning themselves with the Southern side of the war.
Congress also expelled 11 senators for similar reasons, including their failure to report back to Washington, D.C., after Abraham Lincoln’s election as president in 1860.
- Rep. Michael Myers
In 1980, former Rep. Michael Myers, a Pennsylvania Democrat, was removed from the House due to his involvement in the Abscam bribery scandal. This operation, which spanned several years and was captured on video, led to Myers’ expulsion, as well as the resignation of five other congressmen, one senator, and the mayor of Camden, New Jersey. Myers received a three-year prison sentence after being caught on tape accepting a $50,000 bribe from an undercover FBI agent. He believed the money was in exchange for helping a fictional Arab sheikh gain asylum in the U.S.
- Rep. James Traficant
In 2002, former Rep. James Traficant, an Ohio Democrat, became the most recent individual to be removed from the House. He faced allegations of misusing campaign funds for personal purposes and mistreating his staff. Traficant had previously been accused of accepting bribes while serving as sheriff in Mahoning County in 1983. However, he was acquitted after arguing that he had accepted bribes as part of his own undercover investigation into public corruption. Ultimately, Traficant was sentenced to seven years in prison on charges of bribery, racketeering, and tax evasion.
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How did the expulsions of John Bullock Clark Jr., John W. Reid, and Harrison H. Riddleberger highlight the importance of loyalty, collaboration with the Confederacy, and ethical standards in Congress?
Internal divisions and ethical misconduct. Three lawmakers were expelled during this tumultuous period. These expulsions were primarily based on allegations of aiding the Confederacy or engaging in disloyal behavior.
- John Bullock Clark Jr. of Missouri was expelled in July 1862 for his open support of the Confederacy. Clark had been accused of treasonous acts, including providing assistance to the Southern forces. His expulsion reflected the severe divisions that plagued Congress during the Civil War, with members having to decide where their loyalties lay.
- John W. Reid of Missouri faced similar allegations in December 1862. He stood accused of collaborating with the Confederacy and providing military information to the enemy. These actions were deemed detrimental to the Union cause, leading to his expulsion from Congress.
- Harrison H. Riddleberger of Virginia was expelled in February 1876 due to his involvement in a bribery scandal. Riddleberger had accepted money in exchange for influencing legislation, a clear violation of ethical standards. His expulsion highlighted the importance of maintaining integrity within the legislative branch.
While these expulsions occurred in the past, the current case involving Rep. George Santos bears some similarities. Santos is facing allegations of unethical behavior and misuse of campaign funds, which strike at the heart of his integrity as a lawmaker. If the expulsion vote succeeds, Santos will become the first lawmaker to be expelled since 2002.
The allegations against Rep. Santos stem from a report issued by the House Ethics Committee. The report accuses Santos of knowingly lying and misallocating campaign funds for personal use. These violations are in direct violation of campaign finance laws and ethical standards expected from members of Congress. If proven true, they could lead to his expulsion from the House.
Expulsion from Congress is a severe punishment and is reserved for instances where a member’s conduct is deemed irredeemable. It requires a two-thirds majority vote in the House to pass. If expelled, Rep. Santos would lose his seat in Congress and be stripped of the privileges and responsibilities that come with the position.
The case of Rep. George Santos serves as a reminder that lawmakers, regardless of their party affiliation, are not above the law. The accountability and integrity of elected officials are crucial for upholding the democratic values on which the United States was founded.
As the expulsion vote approaches, the House will have to weigh the evidence and consider the severity of Rep. Santos’ alleged offenses. The outcome of the vote will shape the landscape of the House and impact the public’s perception of its members’ commitment to ethical conduct.
Expulsions from Congress are rare but serve as a critical mechanism for maintaining integrity within the legislative branch. The case of Rep. George Santos will be closely watched as lawmakers make a decision that will not only affect his political career but also set a precedent for future cases of ethical misconduct.
Regardless of the outcome, the expulsion process serves as a reminder that lawmakers are ultimately accountable to the people they represent. Upholding the public trust and acting in accordance with the law and ethical standards must always be at the forefront of their responsibilities.
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