The History of Congressional Expulsions

In a historic move on December 1, 2023, George Santos became the latest member to be expelled from the U.S. House of Representatives. This rare event, which resulted from a series of allegations against Santos, including ethical violations, prompts us to look back at the history of Congressional expulsions. It’s a journey that tells us much about politics, power, and integrity.

Way back in 1797, William Blount, a Senator from Tennessee and a member of the Federalist Party, was the first Congressional member to be expelled. His crime? Plotting to assist Great Britain in capturing Spanish-held territories. This incident set a precedent for how seriously Congress would take threats against national security.

The Civil War era saw three expulsions, all in 1861, all Democrats. John Bullock Clark, Jr., John William Reid, and Henry Cornelius Burnett were expelled for siding with the Confederacy. Their expulsion underscored the gravity of allegiance during a critical period in American history.

Jumping ahead to 1980, we encounter Michael Myers, a Democrat, embroiled in the Abscam scandal. Myers was caught accepting bribes from FBI agents posing as Arab businessmen. His expulsion highlighted the ongoing issue of corruption within the halls of power.

In 2002, James Traficant, initially a Democrat who later turned Independent, faced expulsion after being convicted of bribery, racketeering, and tax evasion. His case was a stark reminder of the legal and ethical expectations placed upon elected officials.

The story of George Santos’ expulsion is not just a standalone incident but a continuation of a long, albeit rare, history of Congress policing its own. Each case of expulsion, from Blount to Santos, serves as a powerful reminder of the standards of conduct expected in the halls of American government.