Congresswoman Gwen Moore Statement on Vote Against the Expulsion of Rep. George Santos

“This evening, I voted against the measure on the House floor to expel Rep. George Santos. The underlying reasoning for my decision hinges on the principle that Congress must be deliberate when it decides to regulate or discipline an individual Members’ words or actions through expulsions. Throughout my service in Congress, I have tried to act consistently with this principle.

While the criminal allegations against Rep. Santos are troubling, I first and foremost recognize the importance of due process and believe that it is essential to uphold the rights of all individuals, including those serving in public office. Additionally, a report by the House Ethics into the actions taken by Rep. Santos is expected to be released within a matter of weeks. In light of this upcoming report and its findings, it is premature and ill-advised to advance this measure before the Ethics Committee has completed its inquiry.

It is ultimately voters who have the power to decide who represents them in government. In this spirit, I will leave the decision of Rep. Santos’s continued representation up to the individuals he serves or to the conclusion of the legal proceedings against him.

Without findings from the Ethics Committee report or a criminal conviction, I believe only voters should determine who represents New York’s Third Congressional District.”

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.