Rep. George Santos Used Campaign Funds For Botox & Ferragamo Shoes

On Friday, the Republican chairman of the bipartisan House Ethics Committee introduced a resolution to expel Rep. George Santos (R-New York) from Congress.

The committee’s report, released on Thursday afternoon, documented multiple violations of House rules and substantial evidence of campaign fraud.

The committee’s chairman, Rep. Michael Guest (R-Mississippi), introduced the resolution and set the stage for a significant vote after the Thanksgiving break. If successful, this would make Santos only the sixth representative to be expelled in the history of the chamber.

In a statement that accompanied his five-page resolution, Guest emphasized that the evidence uncovered in the Ethics Committee’s investigative subcommittee inquiry provided more than enough grounds for punishment.

Santos has faced previous attempts at expulsion after reports exposed his fabricated life story. Federal prosecutors charged him with 23 felonies.

Many of the lawmakers in both parties indicated that the ethics report – which showed the tens of thousands of dollars Santos spent in political contributions to Botox, Ferragamo shoes and vacations – was the last straw for the lawmaker.

As his legal expenses accumulate, a departure from Congress would entail the relinquishment of Santos’ annual salary of $174,000. Santos would also forfeit any potential congressional pension upon retirement, as a minimum of five years of service is necessary to qualify for one.

Santos has shown no remorse so far. On Thursday, he vehemently criticized the investigation,  and labeled it a “politicized smear.”

He affirmed his commitment to serve his constituents for as long as possible. However, in what can be assumed to be an attempt to preempt an expulsion battle, Santos announced that he would not run for re-election in his district, which encompasses Long Island and Queens.

The effectiveness of this strategy remains uncertain, as expulsion requires a high threshold: two-thirds of the chamber must vote in favor of removal.

The expulsion vote will serve as an initial challenge for newly elected Speaker Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana). Johnson had previously indicated that it might be premature to remove Santos from Congress while his criminal case was still underway.

Although Santos has been a burden on the party, Republicans are in a precarious position due to their slim four-seat House majority and risk the loss of a seat.

On Thursday evening, Johnson issued a statement that the report was “deeply concerning.” He encouraged members from both parties to prioritize the welfare of the institution.

If Santos chooses to step down or is forcibly removed, a special election would be scheduled by New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) to fill his vacant seat.

Democratic leaders, in private discussions, have indicated that they are likely to nominate Thomas R. Suozzi (D-New York), who previously held the seat before Santos but relinquished it to run for governor.

Earlier this year, Santos denied reports that he had performed as a drag queen in his native Brazil when online photos of him in women’s clothing appeared to show otherwise.