On Thursday, Florida Congressman Matt Gaetz argued against expelling New York Congressman George Santos, saying would do “grave damage” to the institution of the House.
Gaetz noted that Santos would be the first lawmaker to be expelled before being convicted in a court of law. He added that expelling the embattled lawmaker would “shatter” a precedent in Congress.
Rep. Matt Gaetz backed George Santos in a debate over his expulsion from Congress, saying his alleged crimes are "far less concerning" than Sen. Bob Menendez, who was indicted on bribery charges. pic.twitter.com/AZUdeqwoHJ
— Newsweek (@Newsweek) November 30, 2023
Only five members have been expelled in the history of Congress for either allegations of treason or criminal convictions.
From The Hill:
Gaetz was one of three Republicans — along with Reps. Clay Higgins (R-La.) and Troy Nehls (R-Texas) — to take to the House floor to speak out against the expulsion push that has steadily gained steam ahead of an expected vote on Friday. Santos also spoke in his defense.
During the debate on the expulsion resolution, Gaetz argued New York voters chose Santos to serve as their representative and the issue is “between him and his voters, him and the justice system.”
Matt Gaetz on the resolution to expel George Santos:
"Whatever Mr. Santos did with Botox or OnlyFans is far less concerning to me than the indictment against Sen. Menendez who’s holding gold bars from Egypt while he is still getting classified briefings."pic.twitter.com/Hzt6KPPwCF
— Citizen Free Press (@CitizenFreePres) November 30, 2023
“And the fact that the Ethics Committee has done this incredible violation of precedent will do grave damage to this institution for many years to come because now there is no requirement of any conviction,” Gaetz continued.
The House will hold a third vote on Santos’s expulsion on Friday, just weeks after the House Ethics Committee published a damning report detailing “substantial evidence” that the New York lawmaker committed serious crimes. Santos has repeatedly rejected the report, claiming it is “unprecedented” and that he was not afforded due process since he hasn’t been convicted.
Gaetz: I rise not to defend George Santos, whoever he is… pic.twitter.com/pVi5rdeyj9
— Acyn (@Acyn) November 30, 2023
Gaetz, pointing out he is not defending Santos as a person but rather the precedent, echoed Santos’s claim of violated due process.
“Let’s speak to due process. Mr. Santos hasn’t been convicted of anything, but we haven’t even moved to expel the people who have,” Gaetz said, later referencing Rep. Jamaal Bowman (D-N.Y.), who pled guilty to a misdemeanor charge last month for pulling the fire alarm in a House office building before a key vote.
“So while the Ethics Committee is marching to throw George Santos out of Congress, they take no action to someone who pled guilty to a crime?” Gaetz added.
Higgins, reading aloud from a “dear colleagues” letter, also heeded caution on moving forward with the expulsion push, arguing the lawmakers leading the push “are about to go too far.”
“I’ve heard your argument, I feel your passion, I understand your position, but you’re about to go too far,” Higgins said. “Just calm down and step back, which is what I advise my colleagues on both sides of the aisle today.”
House Speaker Mike Johnson also expressed reservations about expelling Santos.
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