The House Ethics Committee has made a significant decision by voting to disclose its investigative findings regarding former Congressman Matt Gaetz, as confirmed by a reliable source.
This confidential vote, held earlier this month, indicates that at least one Republican member of the committee, evenly divided between parties, aligned with Democrats to unveil the report. This move is anticipated to result in the report becoming public soon.
Following Gaetz’s withdrawal as President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for attorney general, demands for the report’s release diminished. However, Democrats persisted in advocating for its publication, while Republican insiders speculated that the report would lose relevance without Gaetz’s nomination.
Despite facing multiple allegations, including engaging in a sexual relationship with a minor, Gaetz has consistently refuted all accusations. In response to the news, he admitted to past indiscretions but emphasized a personal transformation, stating, ‘It’s embarrassing, though not criminal, that I probably partied, womanized, drank and smoked more than I should have earlier in life. I live a different life now.’
CNN initially disclosed the committee’s decision to release the report, while the committee spokesperson declined to provide further details.
Although the panel had previously voted on the report, its release had not been sanctioned. Some Republicans contended that the report remained in a draft stage, necessitating additional internal procedures for finalization. Conversely, Democrats asserted that the report was complete.
Despite Gaetz’s contentious relationships within the Republican Party, there was substantial resistance to releasing the report. Speaker Mike Johnson and Ethics Chair Michael Guest (R-Miss.) expressed opposition to its disclosure, particularly following Gaetz’s withdrawal from consideration as attorney general.
The forthcoming release of the report signifies the conclusion of a lengthy Ethics investigation that has captivated Capitol Hill, even contributing to the removal of former Speaker Kevin McCarthy. Speculations arose that Gaetz orchestrated McCarthy’s ousting due to suspicions that McCarthy had authorized the Ethics probe, reflecting a strained relationship between the two individuals.
This development could also impact Gaetz’s future political aspirations, with many Republicans anticipating a potential gubernatorial bid in Florida. In the interim, Gaetz is focusing on his new role at One America News Network.
