A litany of fabrications has raised questions as to whether Rep.-elect George Santos will be allowed to take his seat when Congress convenes or thrown out once he is sworn in. Here are some of the options for addressing Santos’ falsehoods.
On the campaign trail, Rep.-elect George Santos, a Republican who ultimately flipped a Democratic seat in New York, misled voters about his work and educational history, his family’s heritage, his past philanthropic efforts and his business dealings.
But House Republican leaders, who have so far remained silent amid the persistent questions about Santos, are unlikely to punish him in any significant way. Even if they could force him out of Congress, it would prompt a special election in a swing seat, setting up a potential blow to the party’s already precarious majority.
House leaders could, in theory, band together to try to defy that precedent and force Santos to challenge the move in court. But Republicans have no appetite to do so.Article I, Section 5 of the Constitution states that “Each house may determine the rules of its proceedings, punish its members for disorderly behavior, and, with the concurrence of two-thirds, expel a member.
The others — including the most recent instance, the expulsion in 2002 of Rep. James Traficant, D-Ohio — occurred after representatives were convicted on public corruption charges.Santos could choose to resign if he faces pressure from party leadership to do so, or if he is placed under an ethics investigation and no longer wishes to bear the costs of legal representation and stress that come with those proceedings.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
‘Clown’ Rep.-elect George Santos unfit for Congress, NY protesters say“Don’t seat Santos! Don’t seat Santos!” a crowd of demonstrators chanted outside the Nassau County Courthouse in Mineola.
Read more »
Federal prosecutors are investigating Rep.-elect George Santos' finances | CNN PoliticsFederal prosecutors in New York are investigating the finances of GOP Rep.-elect George Santos, a source familiar with the matter told CNN.
Read more »
Prosecutors open investigation into Rep.-Elect George SantosNEW YORK (AP) — Long Island prosecutors have launched an investigation into U.S. Rep.-elect George Santos of New York, after revelations surfaced that the now-embattled Republican lied about his heritage, education and professional pedigree as he campaigned for office.
Read more »
Long Island prosecutors open investigation into Rep.-Elect George SantosLong Island prosecutors have launched an investigation into U.S. Rep.-elect George Santos of New York, after revelations surfaced that the now-embattled Republican lied about his heritage, education and professional pedigree as he campaigned for office.
Read more »
Prosecutors open investigation into N.Y. Rep.-elect George SantosRep.-elect George Santos was scheduled to be sworn in Tuesday, when the U.S. House reconvenes. If he assumes office, he could face investigations by the House Committee on Ethics and the Justice Department.
Read more »
N.Y. Rep.-elect George Santos is being investigated for lying about his pastSantos is under investigation by Long Island prosecutors, after disclosures surfaced that the embattled Republican lied as he campaigned for office.
Read more »