House of Representatives Votes to Expel Santos, Republican Representative from New York

On Friday, the U.S. House of Representatives expelled George Santos, a Republican representative from New York, due to corruption and improper campaign spending, with 311 votes in favor and 114 against. According to Voice of America, following a report from the House Ethics Committee and based on substantial evidence of violations, fraud, and money laundering, the House members overwhelmingly voted to expel Santos. Although Mike Johnson, the Speaker of the House and a senior Republican leader, opposed the expulsion, his dissent was not influential enough within the party. George Santos, denying 23 counts of allegations, claimed his innocence and stated that he was being questioned due to his outstanding work record. Reuters reported that as Santos was leaving the House, he responded to reporters' questions by saying, 'Since I am no longer a member of the House, I am not obligated to answer any of your questions.' The U.S. House of Representatives also approved a bipartisan measure to block six billion dollars of Iranian funds in Qatar. Fox News reported that Congress has begun investigations into Hossein Mousavian. The House Majority Leader criticized Biden's policy towards the Islamic Republic. American lawmakers proposed sanctions against the Islamic Republic's missile development program. The House approved Johnson's plan to prevent a government shutdown. Johnson faces resistance from Republicans in passing the government budget.