House Ethics Chairman Guest files expulsion resolution against Santos

Mississippi Congressman Michael Visitor, chairman of the Home Ethics Committee, says New York Congressman George Santos is unfit to serve and is searching for his expulsion following an investigation by the committee.

Mississippi Congressman Michael Visitor (R-MS 3) has filed an expulsion decision in opposition to New York Congressman George Santos saying he isn’t match to serve within the chamber.

Visitor, the Home Ethics Committee Chairman, together with Rating Member, Congresswoman Susan Wild, submitted a report back to the Home of Representatives within the Matter of Allegations Regarding Santos.

In accordance with the report issued on the completion of its investigation into Santos, the Investigative Subcommittee (ISC) unanimously concluded that there was substantial proof that Consultant George Santos:

Knowingly prompted his marketing campaign committee to file false or incomplete stories with the Federal Election Fee

Used marketing campaign funds for private functions

Engaged in fraudulent conduct in reference to RedStone Methods LLC

Engaged in understanding and willful violations of the Ethics in Authorities Act because it pertains to his Monetary Disclosure (FD) Statements filed with the Home.

“In mild of the continued legal investigation into Consultant Santos, and the ISC’s findings of further uncharged and illegal conduct by Consultant Santos, the ISC really helpful that the Committee instantly refer these allegations to the Division of Justice,” the Home Ethics Committee launch said on Thursday.

The Ethics Committee unanimously voted to undertake the ISC’s report, and with it, refer the substantial proof of potential violations of federal legal regulation to the Division of Justice for such additional motion because it deems applicable. 

The Committee concurs with the ISC’s dedication that Consultant Santos’ conduct warrants public condemnation, is beneath the dignity of the workplace, and has introduced extreme discredit upon the Home. 

Congressman Visitor issued an announcement on Friday on the matter, saying the proof is greater than ample to warrant expulsion of Santos.

“Given the extreme public scrutiny surrounding Consultant Santos and the continued exercise on the DOJ, together with indictments, the Ethics Committee determined to complete its work with out going via a lengthier course of that gives for the Committee to make a suggestion of punishment to the Home,” Ethics Committee Chairman Visitor mentioned. “The proof uncovered within the Ethics Committee’s Investigative Subcommittee investigation is greater than ample to warrant punishment and probably the most applicable punishment, is expulsion. So, separate from the Committee course of and my function as Chairman, I’ve filed an expulsion decision.”

Santos responded to the report, calling it a “disgusting politicized smear” on X, previously Twitter.

“The committee went to extraordinary lengths to smear myself and my authorized staff about me not being forthcoming (My authorized payments counsel in any other case). It’s a disgusting politicized smear that reveals the depths of how low our federal authorities has sunk,” Santos said on X. “Everybody who participated on this grave miscarriage of justice ought to all be ashamed of themselves.”

The 56-page report from the Ethics Committee could be learn right here.

Santos has been getting ready to hunt re-election regardless of the investigation, but this week he introduced he wouldn’t be operating in 2024.

Solely 5 members of the U.S. Home have ever been expelled from Congress. The final expulsion got here in 2002 after former Ohio Congressman James Traficant was convicted of 10 corruption-related felonies.

A vote on the expulsion decision may come after the Thanksgiving break.