The House Ethics Committee announced that it will reveal its "next course of action" over the George Santos investigation as a possible expulsion looms for the embattled New York Republican accused of lying to everyone and defrauding his own donors.

A floor vote to expel Santos from Congress was recently put forward by several New York Republicans and with this, the House Ethics Committee must now reveal their findings before that vote as the George Santos expulsion could be a historic affair.

According to CBS News, House Ethics chairman Michael Guest, a Mississippi Republican, and Rep. Susan Wild, a Pennsylvania Democrat who is the party's top member in the Ethics Committee, stated that they have already contacted "40 witnesses, reviewed more than 170,000 pages of documents, and authorized 37 subpoenas" regarding the George Santos case.

The bipartisan investigator also stated that the investigation has already taken "countless hours" and involved "a significant amount" of resources. However, ABC News pointed out that the House Ethics Committee announcement could be used by other Republicans to delay a vote.

This delay could give the party's more vulnerable members some "cover from having to go on the record with their position on whether Santos should keep his seat." This would be important for Republicans as they only hold a nine-seat majority over Democrats in the House, and a George Santos expulsion could be disastrous for them.

To expel George Santos, a two-thirds vote is required. Should all Democrats vote for expelling the controversial Republican, another 80 Republicans are required to vote to expel in order to kick him out of the House. This is easier said than done as Republicans are notably divided on the issue.

George Santos 'Not Guilty' Plea Led to Other Republicans Seeking To Expel Him

Last week, embattled Republican George Santos pleaded not guilty to additional charges in a superseding indictment that included allegations of identity theft and illegally transferring money to his personal bank account from a donor's credit card without his permission.

READ MORE: George Santos Faces New Charges, Accused of Defrauding His Own Donors

This led his fellow New York Republicans at the House to fast-track the consideration of a resolution to expel him, with the vote coming as early as Wednesday, per NBC News.

Meanwhile, US District Judge Joanna Seybert set a trial date for September 9, 2024 for Santos's criminal case, while his next status conference is scheduled later this year, on December 12.

He is accused of "stealing people's identities and making charges on his own donors' credit cards without their authorization, lying to the FEC and, by extension, the public about the financial state of his campaign."

George Santos Expulsion Vote Might Not Get Him Expelled for Now

While the House vote for George Santos's expulsion was put forward by other Republicans led by Rep. Anthony D'Esposito, it is still not a done deal as some of their other Republican colleagues might want to keep the embattled New York congressman around to preserve the thin majority.

According to Politico, New York Republicans Nick LaLota, Mike Lawler, Marc Molinaro, Nick Langworthy, and Brandon Williams are backing D'Esposito in expelling Santos, but they do not have the backing of House Speaker Mike Johnson who has indicated that he does not support kicking Santos out yet. Mike Johnson could sway others on the fence into voting "no."

READ MORE: George Santos Denies Being a Drag Queen in Brazil

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Written by: Rick Martin

WATCH: Why House Rep. George Santos faces expulsion vote next week - CBS News