Former Rep. George Santos (RN.Y.), who was expelled, returns to the U.S. Capitol on Thursday night to watch President Biden’s State of the Union address.
Santos told reporters it was his first time back in the building since he was expelled from the House late last year on a bipartisan line and 105 of his Republicans voted to join Democrats. Told.
He said he was there to watch the prime-time speech, noting that as a former lawmaker he still holds privileges that include access to the House chamber during the session.
President Biden’s State of the Union address: Bret Bayer and Martha McCallum head FOX News Channel’s special coverage
Ousted New York Republican Rep. George Santos (center) speaks with Rep. Al Green (D-Texas) (left) and Rep. Joe Negus ahead of President Joe Biden’s annual State of the Union address. (Democratic Party of Colorado). A joint session of Congress took place on March 7, 2024 in the House of Representatives in the Capital Building in Washington, DC. (Photo by Sean Hsu Pool/Getty Images)
“I just visited with some colleagues in a very bipartisan manner,” Santos said.
He said it felt “different” to be back in the building and didn’t rule out coming back in the future.
Santos also did not rule out running for office again despite pending federal charges.
“At this point, I’m not going to give up my desire to run, but right now…I’m on the sidelines, just watching,” he said.
Alabama Sen. Katie Britt says Republican response to President-elect Biden’s speech: ‘I’m really honored’
Former Rep. George Santos (R-N.Y.) (left) speaks with Rep. Matt Gaetz during U.S. President Joe Biden’s State of the Union address during a joint session of Congress in the House chamber of the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday. (Republican, Florida). March 7, 2024, Washington, DC. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)
His former colleague in New York’s Congressional delegation, Rep. Richie Torres of New York, slammed Santos’ appearance and called for his privileges to be revoked.
“Expelled Rep. George Santos brings shame to the House floor with his presence. He should be expelled from the House floor,” Torres wrote to X.
Jim Banks urges Biden to ‘publicly recognize’ Laken Riley at SOTU
The former New York Republican congressman was ousted following a damning House Ethics Committee report that found he misused campaign funds on luxury goods, OnlyFans, and more.
Mr. Santos has not been convicted of a crime, but has been charged with multiple crimes, including wire fraud, identity theft, falsifying records and credit card fraud. He maintained his innocence.
Ousted New York Republican Congressman George Santos, left, speaks with Lauren Boebert ahead of President Joe Biden’s annual State of the Union address during a joint session of the House and Senate in the House chamber in the nation’s capital. Meeting with Congressman (R-Colorado). Built March 7, 2024 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Sean Hsu Pool/Getty Images)
His removal in a 311-114 vote shrunk the House Republican majority, which was already dangerously short.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
A two-thirds majority vote is required to expel a member. The last time a member of Congress was expelled was more than 20 years ago, when the late former Rep. Jim Traficant (D-Ohio) was voted out of Congress in 2002.
Before his ouster, Traficant had been convicted of 10 felonies, including extortion and bribery.
