Rep. George Antony Devolder Santos is not packing, despite rumors that circulated Thursday afternoon when fellow New York Republican Anthony D'Esposito demanded he be expelled from the House of Representatives.
"I have not cleared out my office," Santos posted on social media (and a reporter confirmed with a quick pic of his office). "I’m not resigning."
This affirmation arrived just minutes after D'Esposito, who also represents Long Island, gave a determined oration listing some of the many eye-raising accusations levied against the man accused of taking $3,000 from a veteran's fundraiser for his dying dog who said his grandmother had died in the Holocaust.
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"George Santos has a long history of misrepresenting his and his family's connections to major events including the Holocaust, September 11th terrorist attacks, and the Pulse nightclub shooting," D'Esposito said.
"George Santos is not fit to serve his constituents as a United States representative."
Santos also currently faces a criminal court case in New York where he stands accused of identity theft, spending donors' cash without consent, and lying to federal election officials, court records show.
Co-sponsors of D'Esposito's resolution to oust Santos include Reps. Marcus Molinaro, Nick LaLota, Brandon Williams, and Michael Lawler, all Republican representatives from New York.
While former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy protected Santos from the New York Republicans itching to oust him, it remains unclear how the new speaker. Rep. Mike Johnson will respond, the Daily News reports.
Santos pledge to remain in office, despite the federal court case (scheduled to convene for a pre-trial conference Friday) and the resolution, was not met with support he might have hoped to receive online.
"If House Republicans won't expel you, I can't wait for @AnnaMKaplan to defeat you," wrote attorney Aaron Parnas. "If you are reading this, and want to support Santos' Democratic opponent, check out Anna today!"
"Start packing. It's over," added Thomas Thompson. "The protective shell of Congress is gone."
