Rep. Anthony D’Esposito, R-N.Y., is taking steps to prevent expelled members of the House, such as Rep. George Santos, from accessing certain privileges typically afforded to lawmakers. D’Esposito plans to introduce a resolution aimed at denying expelled members access to resources and areas within the Capitol complex.
The resolution seeks to establish new standards that would restrict expelled members’ access to various facilities and amenities, including the members’ gym, the members-only dining room, exclusive parking spaces, and materials in the Library of Congress or the House document room.
Rep. Anthony D’Esposito (Credits: LIHerald)
Expelled members would also lose their member’s pin, which grants them access to restricted areas like the House floor. D’Esposito emphasized the importance of upholding the integrity of the House of Representatives and ensuring that expelled members do not continue to benefit from privileges reserved for active lawmakers.
He argued that expelled individuals who have violated the public’s trust should not be permitted to access resources provided by the House.
George Santos (Credits: CNN)
Rep. George Santos, who was expelled from the House in December by a vote of 311-114, has faced criticism from D’Esposito and other Republican lawmakers. The resolution reflects a broader effort to enforce consequences for members who have been expelled from the House due to misconduct or ethical violations.
Rep. Ritchie Torres, D-N.Y., previously proposed a similar idea to restrict expelled members’ access to the House floor. His proposal, known as the GEORGE (Getting Expelled Officially Revokes Guaranteed Entry) Rule, was introduced following Santos’ unexpected appearance at President Joe Biden’s State of the Union address.
