The House ethics committee has failed to agree on the release of its findings regarding allegations of sexual misconduct against Matt Gaetz. As pressure mounts for transparency ahead of his confirmation vote, the committee remains divided, and Gaetz, who has denied all allegations, expresses confidence in his Senate meetings.
Congressional Ethics Committee Deadlocks on Gaetz Report Ahead of Confirmation Vote
Congressional Ethics Committee Deadlocks on Gaetz Report Ahead of Confirmation Vote
The fate of an ethics report on Matt Gaetz remains uncertain after a congressional panel reached an impasse, complicating his nomination as attorney general.
A congressional ethics committee has reached a stalemate regarding the release of a report concerning sexual misconduct allegations against Matt Gaetz, who has been nominated by Donald Trump to lead the US Department of Justice. Following a private meeting that lasted two hours, committee members were unable to come to a consensus. Democratic Representative Susan Wild indicated that disagreements fell along party lines, stating, "There was no consensus on this issue," and noted that the committee plans to reconvene on December 5.
The ethics committee has faced intensified scrutiny to disclose findings amid ongoing Senate meetings with Gaetz, as they prepare for a confirmation hearing. Gaetz commented positively on these interactions, saying, "They’ve been going great," and looked forward to the upcoming hearing. The ethics committee was anticipated to decide on the report’s release before Gaetz's abrupt resignation from the House, which took place shortly after Trump’s nomination, leading to uncertainty about the report’s future since Gaetz is no longer under the committee's jurisdiction.
Committee Chairman Michael Guest expressed caution regarding the report's release, citing it is still undergoing a review process. Although options on how to proceed exist, including sending it directly to the Senate Judiciary Committee, the outcome remains unclear. Reporters awaited the committee's deliberations eagerly, although most members chose not to reveal details afterward. Congressman Mark DeSaulnier expressed confidence in reaching a resolution in future meetings.
Gaetz, 42, has gained notoriety for his provocative stance on Capitol Hill and his allegiance to Trump, even playing a key role in the ousting of former Republican House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. Support for his nomination has emerged from some former colleagues, with Speaker Mike Johnson labeling him a "reformer." However, Gaetz's career has been shadowed by allegations concerning sexual misconduct, leading to an investigation by the US Department of Justice over claims he engaged with a 17-year-old girl. This investigation ultimately resulted in no charges.
The ethics committee's inquiries included allegations of sexual misconduct, drug usage, and accepting improper gifts. Testimonies indicated that Gaetz had paid women for sexual activities, with one claiming to have witnessed inappropriate conduct involving a minor at a party in 2017. Gaetz has staunchly denied these accusations, suggesting they are politically motivated and aimed at discrediting him.
Trump's commitment to Gaetz's nomination remains unwavering, with his transition team affirming Gaetz as a vital choice for the attorney general position. Meanwhile, senators across party lines have vocalized the necessity of accessing the ethics report, emphasizing its potential relevance for Gaetz’s confirmation process. Senate Judiciary Committee Chair Dick Durbin urged preservation and sharing of the report, while Republican Chuck Grassley emphasized the importance of transparency in swift reviews of nominations.
