George Santos, the First Member Expelled in Over 20 Years
George Santos, the notorious fabulist, was expelled from Congress last week, marking the first expulsion in over 20 years. Unlike previous cases where members were expelled for fighting for the Confederacy, Santos was removed without being convicted of a crime. His expulsion comes after facing 23 federal charges, including fraud and identity theft.
Allegations and Comparison to “The Producers”
Santos, who won the Long Island congressional race, faced numerous allegations, too many to recount here. It is believed that Santos, like the character Max Bialystock from “The Producers,” attempted to deceive donors under the assumption that no one would inquire about the use of their funds if his plans failed. However, scrutiny should have been applied when he initially announced his run for office.
Debate Surrounding Expulsion
While some argue that expelling House members without a criminal conviction could have unintended consequences, with potential for more members being expelled based on allegations, it is important to note that no serious person defends Santos on the merits. Even those who recognize the validity of these concerns agree that Santos had no business being in the House and his election was an embarrassment.
A Different Standard for Congress
The question of whether or not to fire someone in most institutions does not solely rely on a criminal conviction. In Congress, however, the situation is different as members work for their constituents. Expelling Santos was a necessary act of political repair due to the breakdown of other norms. Santos demonstrated a lack of loyalty to norms of conduct and took advantage of the breakdown of due diligence. In such cases, it is essential for Congress to change its standards to protect the integrity of the institution.
The Power of Congress
Congress, as the supreme branch of government, has the authority to write laws, create courts, and set salaries. It can also fire members of the other two branches. Removing Santos from Congress is a small first step towards addressing the dysfunction in American politics caused by Congress’s refusal to take itself seriously.
Expulsion and Impeachment Standards
Opponents of Santos’ expulsion, using the same argument applied to impeaching presidents, claim that criminal law should be the only just standard. However, this argument is flawed as impeachment and expulsion do not require proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The presumption of innocence standard is appropriate for criminal cases involving life and liberty, but expulsion and impeachment only revoke the privilege of holding power.