Republicans this week successfully fended off an attempt to force them out of office George Santosthe representative of new Yorkof congresswhich could have reduced its already slim majority, little more than 218 across four seats, to gain control Low camera.
The House of Representatives In the partisan blocs, 221 Republicans voted against 204 Democrats to oppose a resolution to refer the congressman to the Congressional Ethics Committee camera where his final exclusion would be decided. Santos himself joined his fellow Republicans in voting to reject.
Robert Garciaa Democratic representative Californiabrought in an expulsion decision in February saintssomething the Chamber has only done twice in the last few decades.
As Associated Press reports, Garcia He attempted to force a vote on that resolution through a process that gave Republicans three options: vote on the resolution, table it, or refer it to committee.
the republican Kevin McCarthyPresident of cameraHe chose the third option, much to the chagrin of Democrats, who called it “total dodge.” They noted that the Ethics Committee is already conducting investigations saints and that it was time for the Republican members camera who demanded the resignation of saints Back your words with action.
“It’s just an attempt by Republicans to avoid having to vote on whether that’s true.” George Santos “Whether it belongs here or not,” he said. Dan Goldmana democrat out new York.
Anthony D’Espositoa Republican out new Yorksubmitted the application to forward the exclusion decision to the ethics committee. D’Esposito said he was personally in favor of the expulsion of saintsbut added that “unfortunately” there were not enough votes to reach the required two-thirds threshold.
Most of his fellow Republicans have said so saints deserves to defend his innocence in court congress intervention. This approach follows the precedent that the congress has been on similar criminal cases over the years.
The camera It has only expelled two of its members in recent decades, and both votes came after lawmakers were convicted in court of federal charges.