Freshman U.S. Rep. Eric Sorensen, an openly gay former meteorologist from Moline, is one of seven Democrats calling for the ouster of New York Congressman George Santos, according to multiple reports.
U.S. Rep. Robert Garcia (D-Calif.) led a resolution Feb. 9 calling for Santos to be expelled from Congress.
Garcia appeared along with Sorensen and U.S. Rep. Becca Balint (D-Vt.) outside the U.S. Capital steps Feb. 9. Garcia and Balint, like Sorensen, are members of the LGBTQ+ community. Axios reported that co-sponsors on the resolution also included Reps. Ritchie Torres (D-N.Y.), Dan Goldman (D-N.Y.), Ted Lieu (D-Calif.) and David Cicilline (D-R.I.). Torres and Cicilline are both openly gay.
Garcia told reporters that the group was motivated to file the motion after Santos was allowed access to classified documents in a briefing. If a House vote is called on the matter, the resolution could only pass with a two-thirds majority—meaning 80 Republicans would have to get on board.
On Jan. 27, Sorensen told Central Illinois Proud that he was "deeply concerned" by Santos' continuous presence in Congress.
He further explained: "...[If] we let that continue, it just opens the door for other fraudsters to be given a place in our government. I am upset that he was given places and seats on committees. Because I don't believe he has earned the trust of the people he represents."
Central Illinois Proud's article is at tinyurl.com/2s79b6we. Axios' article is at tinyurl.com/47arc2sz.
