JUST IN: Resolution To Expel Rep. George Santos From Congress FAILS

An effort to expel Rep. George Santos (R-NY) — who is currently facing charges of wire fraud and other campaign finance violations — from the U.S. House of Representatives failed Wednesday after it was unable to secure support from a two-thirds majority.

The resolution was introduced by Republican members of New York’s congressional delegation earlier this week. ““As Republican Members from the New York delegation, we fully support Santos’ expulsion, and ask all of our colleagues to join us in voting yes,” five New York Republicans wrote in a letter to their colleagues. Freshman Reps. Nick LaLota, Anthony D’Esposito, Marcus Molinaro, Brandon Williams and Mike Lawler signed the letter.

The resolution was ultimately unsuccessful, as it was shot down on the House floor Wednesday. It ultimately garnered 179 votes in favor of expulsion compared 213 against. The vote did not break down along party lines, as 24 Republicans voted in favor of expulsion while 31 Democrats voted against.

Santos has maintained his innocence and has refused calls to step down, stating that he is fighting to clear his name.

“I’m fighting tooth and nail to clear my name in front of the entire world, Mr. Speaker. It hasn’t been easy, but I’m fighting by God’s grace,” the freshman congressman said on the House floor Wednesday. “On a final note, as we wear these pins and stand within these chambers as elected members of Congress, we cannot speak out of both sides of our mouth, promising to uphold the principles of the Constitution while simultaneously trampling on the principles that underpin our fundamental rights granted by the Constitution is hypocrisy.”

The failure of the resolution is significant due to the Republican Party’s slim margin of control in the House. House Republicans currently control 221 seats while Democrats control 212.