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Voters react in absolute disbelief as House votes not to expel serial liar George Santos by 213-179

The House vote resulted in 213 members against George Santos' expulsion, 179 in favor of it, and 19 members voting 'present'

WASHINGTON, DC: In a contentious decision, the House of Representatives voted against expelling Republican Congressman George Santos on Wednesday, November 1, 2023, sparking anger among voters and igniting a fierce debate on due process and integrity in government. 

The scandal-ridden Santos, who is currently facing allegations of theft and fraud, expressed gratitude for the vote, proclaiming that "due process is still alive."

The House vote

The House vote resulted in 213 members against Santos' expulsion, 179 in favor of expulsion, and 19 members voting "present". Santos, who is also facing 23 charges of fraud in federal court, has maintained his innocence and is scheduled to face trial in September next year.

"I feel like due process is still alive. I feel like there's enough colleagues on both sides of the aisle here who understand that," Santos said after the vote.

"I'm fighting tooth and nail to clear my name in front of the entire world. It hasn't been easy, but I'm fighting by God's grace," he added.

Historically, Congress has rarely resorted to expelling its members, having expelled only five in its entire history, with the last two being due to public corruption convictions. The decision to potentially expel Santos before his federal court case is resolved would be a significant departure from past practices.

Interestingly, more Democrats voted to retain Santos in Congress than Republicans who sought his expulsion. While 24 Republicans voted for expulsion, 31 Democrats, including Oversight Democrat Jamie Raskin, voted against removing the New York Republican. Four Republicans and 15 Democrats voted "present" on the measure.

Key figures within Congress expressed differing opinions on the matter. Chair of the House Judiciary Committee Jim Jordan argued for due process, stating, "He's only been charged. He hasn't been found guilty of anything."

Meanwhile, some, like Anthony D'Esposito, a fellow New York Republican, contended that Santos should be removed. "Mr Santos is a stain on this institution and not fit to serve his constituents in the House of Representatives," D'Esposito said. 

Ethics committee investigation

The House Ethics Committee, which is investigating Santos, plans to announce its "next course of action" on or before November 17. This investigation has involved contacting 40 witnesses, reviewing over 170,000 pages of documents, and authorizing 37 subpoenas.

The resolution to expel Santos was introduced by members of his own party, who have long maintained that he is unfit for office.

Santos passionately defended himself on the House floor, emphasizing the importance of considering him innocent until proven guilty. "One can't say they are pro-Constitution and at the same time act as judge, jury, and executioner," he insisted. 

Despite the narrow margin of the vote, Speaker Mike Johnson has expressed his support for due process and Santos's right to remain in office until proven guilty.

"We have no margin for error," Johnson told Fox News last week, adding, "And so, George Santos is due due process, right?"

Santos, in response, has indicated that he intends to run for re-election next year.

Social media reactions

Critics of Santos took to social media to express their frustration and disappointment following the House's decision. 

"It will not change until we, the voters, have the courage to vote for change!" one posted on X.

"This is absolutely disgusting and morally bankrupt," another added.

"How can the congress be insulted by a SERIAL FRAUDSTER like him? Unconstitutional and unacceptable," someone else wrote.

"And we preach about American exceptionalism, that 'shining city on the hill,' democracy, the rule of law, decency, equity, and other such nonsense to the rest of the world! What an utter shame and disgrace!" another fumed.