On Wednesday, May 10, the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York indicted George Santos (R-NY) on 13 charges of criminal conduct. Earlier that day, the New York politician was named in a press release for allegedly embezzling campaign cash, laundering money, and lying to the House of Representatives. After Santos’ arrest, California Democrat Robert Garcia formally asked that he be expelled from Congress.
Democrat Introduces Resolution to Expel George Santos from House of Representatives https://t.co/caeb8dC3HP
— Mediaite (@Mediaite) May 16, 2023
On Tuesday, May 16th, Garcia reportedly submitted the resolution after hearing claims that “George Santos is a fraud and a liar.” His party, the Republicans, was called on to “demonstrate […] that an admitted criminal should not serve in the House of Representatives,” and he urged them to do so. The resolution has been sent to the House Ethics Committee at the request of House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA). Republicans from New York in the House of Representatives back McCarthy’s decision, citing respect for the rule of law and due process as justifications.
Breon Peace, the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, has stated that Santos would be held responsible for any crimes of which he is found guilty. For his own benefit, Santos is said to have “repeated dishonesty and deception” to get to the position of congressman. In addition, Peace and the DOJ accuse the congressman of a variety of dishonest financial maneuvers, including funneling campaign donations via his personal bank account and then using the money to pay off his personal obligations and buy luxury apparel. The prosecution also said that in 2020, while vying for his present seat and working full-time at a salary of $120,000 per year, Santos registered for jobless benefits. It is claimed that the representative’s action resulted in a $24,000 loss to the state.
The accusations against Santos have been denied by him. Representative paid a $500,000 bail after pleading not guilty, according to a second Mediaite piece. After being released on bond, media sought his opinion on the matter; he labeled it a “witch hunt” and said he was innocent. He not only has no intention of stepping down, but also of seeking reelection at the conclusion of his present term.
