In a recent development, 31 Democrats have voted against the expulsion of Republican lawmaker George Santos, according to a report by Business Insider. One of the dissenting Democrats, Rep. Jeff Jackson, took to Reddit to explain his reasoning behind the vote.

The main concern cited by Jackson is the ongoing investigation conducted by the ethics committee into Santos' alleged misconduct. The committee is expected to conclude its probe in three weeks, focusing on 23 felony charges relating to fraud, identity theft, and falsification of records that Santos currently faces.

Jackson emphasized the importance of adhering to existing precedent, stating that expelling Santos before the investigation is completed would set a potentially dangerous precedent for future cases. He argued for the necessity of due process, both internal and external, before taking such a dramatic step.

While Jackson expressed his belief that Santos should resign without question, he stressed the need to avoid actions that could have long-term consequences. He cautioned against "opening Pandora's box down the road" and advocated for a measured approach that upholds due process and the rule of law.

Rep. Jamie Raskin, another Democrat who voted against Santos' expulsion, echoed similar sentiments. Raskin emphasized the importance of respecting due process and the presumption of innocence until Santos is convicted of his alleged criminal offenses or ethics charges.

Historical context is also noted, as the expulsion of House lawmakers is a rare occurrence. Only five representatives have been expelled in the entire history of Congress, primarily for reasons related to the Civil War or criminal convictions. The most recent expulsions took place in 2002 when Democratic Rep. James A. Traficant of Ohio was convicted on multiple charges.

The House Ethics Committee, in an unusual move, announced that it would disclose its next action in the Santos probe by November 17. The committee has already interviewed numerous witnesses, reviewed a substantial number of documents, and authorized multiple subpoenas in its investigation.

The recent vote on Santos' expulsion was particularly noteworthy, as it showed a shift in Republican stance. Previously, Republicans, led by then-Speaker Kevin McCarthy, supported deferring any judgment on Santos to the ethics committee. However, after a superseding indictment, fellow New York Republican freshmen announced their intention to push for Santos' removal, indicating a potential change in the Republican position.

Given the slim majority held by House Republicans, the loss of Santos' vote would have significant implications, as House vacancies can only be filled through a special election process, as outlined by the Constitution. As a result, the prospect of Santos' expulsion may be revisited in the near future.

As the situation unfolds, all eyes will be on the House Ethics Committee and its forthcoming announcement regarding George Santos' case, determining the course of action to be taken against the embattled lawmaker.