WASHINGTON — The House Ethics Committee has voted to publicly launch a report detailing the findings of an investigation into former Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., two sources conversant in the matter informed NBC News — a reversal from final month when the panel deadlocked on whether or not to publish the report.
The report is anticipated to be made public as quickly as this week, after the House finishes its remaining enterprise of the 12 months: voting to keep the government open.
The committee’s yearslong investigation included trying into allegations that Gaetz had engaged in sexual misconduct and illicit drug use, accepted improper presents, gave particular favors to individuals with whom he had private relationships and obstructed the House probe.
The Florida Republican resigned from the House final month after President-elect Donald Trump mentioned he meant to appoint Gaetz to be the following U.S. lawyer normal.
Gaetz withdrew his name from consideration for the place simply eight days after Trump’s announcement, after facing scrutiny from senators and particulars emerged publicly about the testimony of women who spoke to the Ethics committee. He has denied any wrongdoing.
CNN was first to report the information of the committee’s vote.
An attorney for one woman interviewed by the panel alleged that Gaetz paid for intercourse in Florida, a state the place prostitution is unlawful. The identical girl informed the panel that Gaetz had intercourse together with her pal, who was 17 years outdated on the time.
Just earlier than the Thanksgiving vacation, the Ethics panel met for hours behind closed doorways about Gaetz however couldn’t attain an settlement about releasing the report. Earlier this month, a majority of the House voted against a resolution that may have compelled the Ethics committee to launch the report; as a substitute the chamber despatched the matter again to the Ethics panel.
The Gaetz ethics matter seemed to be useless till Wednesday’s improvement. The launch of the report is important on condition that Gaetz stays an in depth ally of and is in common contact with Trump, and has flirted with a bid for Florida governor in 2026.
The launch of the Gaetz report goes towards the needs of House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., who had argued repeatedly that releasing a report into somebody who’s now not a member of Congress can be “horrible precedent.”
The Ethics Committee solely has jurisdiction over present — not former — members of Congress. But on a number of events, the Ethics panel has printed investigative experiences about members who had just lately left workplace. For instance, Rep. Bill Boner, D-Tenn., resigned Oct. 5, 1987, to turn into mayor of Nashville. The Ethics Committee launched an initial staff report the next December inspecting allegations that Boner misused marketing campaign funds, didn’t disclose presents and accepted bribes.
Gaetz had additionally been investigated by the Department of Justice over allegations of intercourse trafficking. That investigation ended without charges.
In a lengthy post on X on Wednesday, Gaetz blasted the committee and his accusers, pointing to the truth that the DOJ investigation didn’t lead to prices. He once more denied any felony wrongdoing.
“I NEVER had sexual contact with somebody below 18,” he mentioned.
He added, “It’s embarrassing, although not felony, that I most likely partied, womanized, drank and smoked greater than I ought to have earlier in life,” he mentioned. “I dwell a distinct life now.”
Earlier this month, Gaetz introduced that he can be beginning a brand new job within the New Year, as a weeknights anchor on the Trump-friendly One America News Network or OAN. He’ll additionally do podcasting for OAN.
