The House of Representatives on Thursday voted 206-198 to block the release of the Ethics Committee's long-awaited report investigating former Florida Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz's alleged sexual misconduct and possible misconduct. .
The report details allegations that Gaetz used illegal drugs, misused campaign funds, engaged in sexual misconduct with a 17-year-old girl, and obstructed a House investigation. Gates has consistently denied this claim.
The vote comes weeks after Gates resigned from Congress and withdrew from the Trump administration's candidacy after it became clear he did not have enough support from senators to survive confirmation hearings. I was disappointed. Democrats, led by Reps. Sean Kasten and Steve Cohen, argued that transparency was important and tried to force the release of the report through a privilege resolution.
Kasten's resolution, sent to the House two days before the vote, said withholding the report would “undermine the committee's credibility and undermine the security, dignity, and integrity of the legislative process.”
Mississippi Republican Michael Guest, the committee chairman, said the committee's investigative authority ends when the member leaves Congress.
“He is no longer a member,” says guest told reporters on Thursday. “He withdrew his nomination for attorney general and will no longer be confirmed by the Senate.”
The report's potential revelations could have significant political implications, especially as Gaetz is rumored to be considering. Candidate for Florida Governor in 2026 Or he may seek a different role in the incoming Trump administration.
The investigation has been ongoing for years and came under further scrutiny following the arrest of Gaetz's associates. Joel Greenberg pled guilty in 2021 Paying women or underage girls for sexual services.
