The House Ethics Committee has voted to release its report on the conduct of former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) before the conclusion of the current Congress, according to multiple sources. The report is expected to be made public after the House’s final votes this year, as lawmakers prepare to leave Washington for the holidays.
The decision to release the report marks a stark reversal for the panel, which voted along party lines in late November to withhold the investigation’s findings. The latest vote suggests that some Republicans joined Democrats in favor of transparency.
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However, it remains unclear if the committee will maintain its current position.
The Ethics Committee’s report concludes a years-long investigation into allegations against Gaetz, including:
- Sexual misconduct.
- Use of illicit drugs.
- Sharing inappropriate images or videos on the House floor.
- Misuse of state identification records.
- Conversion of campaign funds to personal use.
- Acceptance of bribes, improper gratuities, or impermissible gifts.
The investigation followed complaints about Gaetz’s conduct during his time in Congress. Gaetz has consistently denied all allegations, characterizing the probe as a politically motivated “witch hunt.”
In a social media post on X, Gaetz reiterated that he was “FULLY EXONERATED” by a separate Department of Justice probe, which concluded earlier this year. He also denied allegations of sexual misconduct involving a minor, stating, “I NEVER had sexual contact with someone under 18.”
Addressing his past behavior, Gaetz admitted to a period of “partying, womanizing, drinking, and smoking” but emphasized that it was “embarrassing, though not criminal.” He said he now leads a different life.
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It is uncommon for an Ethics Committee report to be released after a member has left Congress, though there have been precedents. Gaetz resigned abruptly after President-elect Donald Trump named him as his initial choice for attorney general, a post he later withdrew from consideration. Many lawmakers speculated that Gaetz’s resignation was an attempt to bury the Ethics Committee’s findings.
Speaker Mike Johnson has voiced opposition to releasing the report, arguing that it is unnecessary since Gaetz is no longer a sitting member of Congress. However, Johnson acknowledged that he has no authority over the Ethics Committee’s operations, which traditionally function independently from House leadership.
Gaetz, who was reelected to his seat before his resignation, has stated he will not return to Congress in the upcoming session. Instead, he plans to focus on supporting Trump’s agenda, saying, “I’m going to be fighting for President Trump. I’m going to be doing whatever he asks of me, as I always have.”
Additionally, Gaetz recently announced that he will join One America News Network in January, signaling a pivot to a media role.
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