In a significant move on Tuesday, a House Democrat initiated steps to force a vote for the expulsion of indicted Representative George Santos, a Republican from New York. This marks the second expulsion vote against Santos in a month. While he narrowly survived the previous vote, Santos anticipates a different outcome this time. Several lawmakers who initially voted against expulsion have expressed their support following the release of a damning Ethics Committee report on Santos.

A two-thirds supermajority vote is required to expel a member from Congress. Representative Robert Garcia, a Democrat from California, introduced a "privileged" resolution for Santos' expulsion on the House floor. Since the resolution is privileged, Republican leadership is obligated to bring it to the floor for a vote within two legislative days.

It is possible that the resolution could be tabled or referred to a committee before receiving a vote. Back in May, Garcia attempted to force a similar vote on a resolution to expel Santos, but it was referred to the Ethics Committee, triggering a lengthy congressional investigation.

Garcia claims to have spoken with Republican lawmakers, including Santos' fellow freshmen from New York, and believes he has secured enough votes for expulsion. He is calling on Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican from Louisiana, to inform his members of his support for the expulsion.

Democratic Representative Dan Goldman, a former federal prosecutor from New York, joined Garcia in pushing for the vote on the House floor. Expressing frustration, Goldman criticized the Republicans for playing games and protecting Santos, highlighting the need for action.

Meanwhile, Ethics Committee Chairman Michael Guest, a Republican from Mississippi, introduced a separate expulsion resolution after the release of the 56-page report on Santos. However, it remains uncertain whether he will seek a vote on it this week.

The highly critical report from the Ethics Committee concluded that Santos had deceived his donors, submitted falsified campaign finance statements, and misused campaign funds for personal expenses, including rent, luxury items, cosmetic treatments, and an OnlyFans subscription.

Santos, who denies any wrongdoing and has pleaded not guilty to the federal charges, notified Speaker Johnson about his stance on the expulsion vote. He warned his colleagues that expelling him before his trial in September would set a negative precedent. However, Santos confirmed that Johnson did not ask him to resign and emphasized the need for a decision.

Pressure is mounting on Santos, with some lawmakers who initially voted against expulsion now prepared to support it. They argue that prudence dictates deviating from the requirement of a felony conviction prior to expulsion in this case.

If Santos is expelled, it could affect the already fragile majority of the GOP in the House. With the recent Republican resignation and impending departures, their majority could be reduced to a razor-thin margin, potentially impacting the government funding process.

As the situation unfolds, the House awaits the forthcoming vote that will determine Santos' fate in Congress.