(KNSI) — A controversial congressman has been kicked out of Congress.
Republican Representative George Santos of New York was expelled in a historic vote Friday. Since his election in November of 2022, he has faced numerous accusations that he lied about his qualifications and education. He has not been convicted of a crime but has been indicted on 23 federal charges, including allegations of COVID-19 unemployment benefit fraud, misusing campaign funds and lying about his personal finances on House disclosure reports. Santos has pleaded not guilty.
His fellow lawmakers removed him over ethics violations in a 311 to 114 vote, with 105 Republicans voting against him. Two members voted present. Minnesota Republican 8th District Congressman Pete Stauber voted to remove Santos. Congressman Tom Emmer, Michelle Fischbauch and Brad Finstad all voted to let Santos stay.
Expulsion is the most severe form of punishment for Representatives. Santos is the third member of Congress to be expelled since the Civil War.
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