Republican House Ethics Panel Blocks Release of Matt Gaetz Report

WASHINGTON — The U.S. House ethics panel faced divisions on Wednesday regarding the release of a critical report on Matt Gaetz, the former congressman now nominated for U.S. attorney general. According to Susan Wild, the panel’s leading Democrat, the vote resulted in a party-line split.

The report investigates allegations against Gaetz, including claims of sexual misconduct and illicit drug use. These findings emerged after Gaetz resigned from his Florida seat, effectively pausing the investigation that began in April 2021. President-elect Donald Trump’s announcement last week about Gaetz’s nomination intensified scrutiny on whether the ethics committee should make its findings public.

Michael Guest, Chair of the Ethics Committee, noted after the session that there was no consensus to disclose the report. Furthermore, he advised that the panel would reconvene but did not disclose any further details.

Wild contested Guest’s portrayal of the committee’s decision, asserting that it did not reflect any sort of agreement among its members. She emphasized the significance of transparency surrounding the report’s findings.

Amidst the ongoing probe, Gaetz, who denies all allegations, has been under investigation by the Department of Justice for sex trafficking but has not faced charges. Newly obtained financial records revealed that Gaetz paid two women, who later became witnesses in the investigations, approximately $10,000 between 2017 and 2019. Additionally, a lawyer representing one of these women alleged that she witnessed Gaetz engage in sexual activity with a minor at an Orlando party.

House Democrats have pressed for the report’s release. Reps. Steve Cohen of Tennessee and Sean Casten of Illinois introduced resolutions aimed at compelling the ethics panel to disclose its findings. A letter signed by numerous Democratic legislators pointed out the precedent for continuing investigations post-resignation, citing the seriousness of the charges against Gaetz as critical for the Senate’s vetting process.

As the nomination process unfolds, Vice President-elect J.D. Vance was seen accompanying Gaetz to meetings with Senate Republicans. Following a conversation with Gaetz, Sen. Lindsey Graham expressed his intention not to rush the confirmation, insisting that all evidence must be considered before making a decision. He cautioned against treating unverified allegations as fact.

Sen. John Kennedy also weighed in, stating that he was uncertain about the House rules concerning the release of the ethics investigation findings but acknowledged that exceptions have existed in the past. He noted the importance of thorough vetting by the Senate Judiciary Committee but did not rule out the possibility of information emerging publicly as the process progresses.

Last updated 4:39 p.m., Nov. 20, 2024