GOP push emerges to keep George Santos away from the Capitol
Published Date: 4/14/2024
Source: axios.com

A group of House Republicans from New York wants to strip expelled former Rep. George Santos (R-N.Y.) of many of the privileges he enjoys as a former member of Congress.

Why it matters: It's a response to Santos making a surprise appearance at the State of the Union last month, using his privileges to stand on the House floor during the speech.


Driving the news: Rep. Anthony D'Esposito (R-N.Y.) on Friday introduced a resolution to change House rules to "deny certain privileges of the House of Representatives to former Members who have been expelled from the House."

  • Among those privileges: Access to the House floor and the Capitol's members-only gym, dining room and parking spaces, as well as documents and other resources typically afforded to former members.
  • The measure would also strip Santos of his member pin, which gives lawmakers and former lawmakers easy access to the Capitol.

Zoom in: The resolution, first reported by Politico, is co-sponsored by Reps. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.) and Nick LaLota (R-N.Y.), who is facing a third-party challenge from Santos.

  • Santos is just one of two living members of Congress who were expelled, the other is former Rep. Michael Myers (D-Pa.).
  • The New York Republicans likely face an uphill battle in getting a vote on the measure, given that GOP leadership opposed even expelling Santos.

Flashback: Santos' appearance at the State of the Union spurred an immediate effort by Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-N.Y.) to strip him of his House floor privileges.

  • "George Santos disgraced Congress with his presence during the State of the Union," Torres said. "Expelled members like him have no business being on the House floor."