House Resolution to Expel George Santos Fails

AP Photo/Alex Brandon

The House of Representatives failed to muster the two-thirds necessary to expel Rep. George Santos (R-NY) on Wednesday night.

In fact, a majority of members voting cast a ballot against expulsion.

The vote was 213 against expulsion and 179 in favor. Nineteen members voted present. Notably, 24 Republicans voted for expulsion while 31 Democrats voted against the measure.

Santos is under federal criminal indictment and is charged with conspiracy, wire fraud, making false statements, falsifying records, credit card fraud, and identity theft. He has pleaded not guilty to all 23 counts he faces.

The freshman congressman was also found to have lied about a litany of details about his life story. Among his fabrications, he lied about where he worked, where he attended school, and about being Jewish. He has also been accused of being a literal puppy thief.

With Santos remaining in the House – at least for the time being – Republicans hold 221 seats and the Democrats hold 212. Two seats are presently vacant.