avoided expulsion on a vote of 179-213. The motion needed a two-thirds majority to succeed. Nineteen reps voted ‘present’ but did not cast a yay or nay vote.Thirty-one Democrats voted not to expel Santos.
Either they believe he should stay until proven guilty of a crime, or they think his presence in Congress continues to embarrass the Republican Party — and for that reason alone it’s worth keeping him.Santos was elected in November 2022.
Within weeks, it emerged he’d fabricated chunks of his resume. Questions were then asked about his campaign finances. He now faces 23 federal charges relating to wire fraud, money laundering, and misleading Congress.
He denies all charges.After he escaped expulsion, he tweeted a meme. It showed him with a cartoon crown photoshopped over his head, against the backdrop of the Congress floor.