Matt Gaetz Declares, ‘I Have Never Missed George Santos More’ After Failed Impeachment Vote

Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) lamented last year’s expulsion of former Rep. George Santos (R-NY) on Tuesday night after the House failed to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.

Republicans have criticized Mayorkas for his handling of the southern border and what the impeachment resolution calls his “willful and systemic refusal to comply with the law.”

By a 216-214 vote, the House shot down a resolution to impeach the secretary. After votes were cast, the chamber was deadlocked 215-215 – short of the majority needed thanks to three Republicans voting against impeachment. Before the vote closed, Rep. Blake Moore (R-UT) changed his vote from “yes” to “no” in what was a strategic move designed to allow the resolution to be reconsidered at a later time. Another impeachment vote could happen as early as tomorrow when Republican Steve Scalise (R-LA), who has health issues, is expected to return to the House.

Appearing on Newsmax’s The Balance, Gaetz was asked by Eric Bolling to explain Moore’s vote.

“Why did he switch?” Bolling asked.

“Because you’re only able to reconsider a matter if you are on the prevailing side of the vote,” Gaetz explained “So, we didn’t have any of our people that were part of the 215 that had voted “no.” So, trust me, Blake Moore wants Mayorkas impeached.”

The lawmaker then expressed regret at the absence of Santos, who was expelled by the House in December. Santos is under federal indictment for fraud and was found to have fabricated much of his life story before being elected in 2022. Gaetz voted against expulsion.

“As I’m watching that board and it’s 215 to 215, I have never missed George Santos more,” Gaetz continued. “I also wondered like, wouldn’t it have been nice to still have Kevin McCarthy in the House of Representatives? Never thought you’d hear me say that.”

In October, Gaetz led the charge to remove McCarthy as speaker after Gaetz alleged McCarthy broke the terms of an agreement they made earlier in the year. McCarthy, however, claimed Gaetz wanted him gone because he would not quash a House Ethics Committee investigation targeting the Florida congressman. Rather than serve out the remainder of his House term, McCarthy resigned from Congress.

“Kevin McCarthy – after being dislodged as speaker – took his marbles and went home,” Gaetz added.

Watch above via Newsmax.