House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) may have just saved Rep. George Santos from being expelled from the chamber as he faces multiple federal charges.

The House is expected to vote on the expulsion on Thursday. The Justice Department has charged Santos with 23 counts, including conspiracy to commit offenses against the United States, wire fraud, making materially false statements to the Federal Election Commission, and falsifying records, among other charges.

After being asked by a reporter Wednesday morning about the possible fate of Santos, Johnson said that he had just come from a Republican Conference meeting where there were opinions shared on both sides of the issue.

“I said that the Republican Party is the rule of law team, and we are,” he began. “We believe in the rule of law. There are people of good faith who make an argument, both pro and con” regarding the expulsion resolution for Santos.

“There are people who say you have to uphold the rule of law and allow for someone to be convicted in a criminal court before this tough penalty would exacted” on Santos, Johnson continued. “That’s been the precedent so far.”

But, he countered, “There are others who say upholding the rule of law requires us to take this step now because some of the things he’s alleged to have done…are infractions against the House itself. And so what we’ve said as a leadership team is that we’re gonna allow people to vote their conscience.”

“I think that’s the only appropriate thing we can do,” Johnson went on. “I trust people will make that decision thoughtfully and in good faith.”

Then he added his own personal view: “I personally have real reservations about doing this. I’m concerned about a precedent that may be set for that. Everybody’s working through that, and we’ll see how they’ll vote.”

WATCH:

Mike Johnson on the resolution to expel George Santos:

"I personally have real reservations about doing this. I'm concerned about a precedent that may be set for that." pic.twitter.com/YQKIAkHkjy

— Citizen Free Press (@CitizenFreePres) November 29, 2023

Earlier this month, the Louisiana Republican was asked if he believes Republicans have uncovered enough evidence to justify impeaching Biden, to which he responded, “I do believe that very soon we are coming to a point of decision on it.”

“We’re going to follow the evidence where it leads, and we’ll see, and I’m not going to pre-determine it this morning,” he added.

Johnson, who has a background in constitutional law, also emphasized that he wants to see due process play out, The Hill reported.