The House of Representatives expels George Santos

The House of Representatives has expelled George Santos. Its members voted Friday to remove the Republican from Congress. He becomes the sixth man in the history of the United States to lose his place in the House.

"To hell with this place," were some of Santos' first words when the voting session in the House ended. There were three attempts by legislators to throw Santos out of Congress, and the third time was the charm.

To approve the expulsion of Santos, at least a two-thirds majority was necessary. The motion against George Santos managed to exceed the necessary minimum, with 311 votes in favor of removing the former representative from New York.

Among these votes, 105 came from the Republican caucus in the House of Representatives, while the rest were from the Democrats. There were 112 Republican legislators who voted against. Among those who supported the expulsion were Reps. Juan Ciscomani (R-Ariz.) and James Comer (R-Ky.). On the Democratic side, 206 voted in favor of Santos' removal, and only two representatives voted against.

Although some Republicans considered the expulsion of Santos to be shooting themselves in the foot, others could not take it any longer with what they saw as a toxic attitude from the former representative, who faces several crimes for fraud committed during his congressional campaign. Those defending Santos, such as Rep. Nancy Mace, justified their decision by their belief in the presumption of innocence.

Without Santos, the situation could get complicated in the House for Republicans. Recently appointed Speaker Mike Johnson loses a seat in the House and thus the weak Republican majority loses strength, now with just 221 seats.