Key Republicans say they won't vote to expel George Santos

Key House Republicans have signaled they do not intend to support a resolution to expel New York Republican Rep. George Santos from the lower chamber.

Since securing election in late 2022, Santos has come under fire for a litany of both confirmed and alleged wrongdoings. He has previously admitted to fabricating much of his resume while on the campaign trial and in May settled a case in Brazil in which he admitted to stealing a checkbook.

He further faces 23 federal charges, including wire fraud, lying to the Federal Election Commission (FEC), and conspiracy to commit offenses against the United States. He has pleaded not guilty and refused to resign, but has announced he will not seek reelection.

House Majority Leader Steve Scalise told Punchbowl News's Jake Sherman on Thursday that he would oppose ousting Santos, saying "[h]e’s going to have his day in court, which he deserves."

South Carolina Republican Rep. Ralph Norman, a member of the Rules Committee, on Thursday told "Just the News, No Noise" that he also would oppose Santos's expulsion. 

"Well, I'm not gonna vote to expel George Santos. The Democrats are doing it to lessen the the the Republican votes in the House," he said. "And, you know, he has to answer to his constituents. He represents the same amount that we do. Others do. And he's already indicated he's not running again."

"To even have this floor vote is another example of 'we major in the minor issues,'" he went on. "I don't think the topic [of] conversations around America is 'Is George Santos gonna get thrown out of Congress?' Democrats are good at distracting and I'm not gonna vote for that."

House Speaker Mike Johnson on Wednesday stated that he had "real reservations" about the expulsion vote. 

"There are people who say you have to uphold the rule of law and allow for someone to be convicted in a criminal court before this tough penalty would be exacted on someone," he added. "That's been the precedent so far."

The vote is slated to occur on Friday.

Ben Whedon is an editor and reporter for Just the News. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter.