'Vote of conscience': Speaker Mike Johnson wimps out on pushing George Santos expulsion

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) said Republican leadership would not urge members to vote for the expulsion of Rep. George Santos (R-NY).

On Tuesday, two House Democrats introduced a resolution to force a vote to expel Santos after an ethics committee said he should referred to the Department of Justice for alleged fraud. He is already facing indictment for conspiracy and other crimes.

Jake Sherman of Punchbowl News reported on Wednesday that Johnson had refused to weigh in on Santos' removal.

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"@SpeakerJohnson says in a closed House Republican meeting that the vote to expel @MrSantosNY is a 'vote of conscience' and noted that House Republican leadership is not whipping it," Sherman posted on the social media platform X.

The timing of a vote to oust Santos was not immediately apparent.