Members of Congress have a responsibility to uphold the highest ethical standards, ReFormers Caucus co-chairs say following Rep. Santos expulsion

In reaction to today’s bipartisan vote in the House of Representatives to expel Rep. George Santos (R-NY) from Congress in response to a thorough investigation by the House Ethics Committee, Issue One released the following statement from Amb. Tim Roemer (D-IN) and Rep. Zach Wamp (R-TN), two former members of Congress and co-chairs of Issue One’s ReFormers Caucus:

“We commend the House Committee on Ethics for conducting a thorough, impartial, and bipartisan investigation into Rep. Santos’ alleged unethical behavior that set the stage for his expulsion. They found extensive evidence of wrongdoing and illegal activities, which required action.

“Today the House of Representatives took that action and demonstrated its oversight capabilities, sending a powerful message that members of Congress have a responsibility to the American people to uphold the highest ethical standards.

“Rep. Santos did great harm to the institution of Congress with clear and demonstrative illegalities. We caution members of Congress to not allow this to be a precedent or a reason for future political retaliations, but rather a line in the sand that sitting members of Congress shall not cross without facing the possibility of expulsion. The rule of law shall apply to all citizens regardless of their position, and it became apparent that Rep. Santos had zero concern for the rule of law.”