Breaking News: House Ethics Committee to Release Report on Former Rep. Matt Gaetz
In a surprise move, the House Ethics Committee has voted to release a report on its investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct and illicit drug use against former Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz. The report is expected to be made public as early as the end of this week, after the House of Representatives concludes its current session.
Gaetz Denies Allegations, Lashes Out at Committee
Gaetz has vehemently denied the allegations, stating that he has never had sex with an underage girl. In a recent post, he acknowledged that he may have partied excessively and engaged in inappropriate behavior in the past, but claimed that he has since changed his ways.
Investigation Reopened in May 2023
The House Ethics Committee reopened its investigation into Gaetz in May 2023, after the Department of Justice closed its own probe into sex trafficking allegations against the former congressman without filing charges. The committee’s investigation focused on allegations of sexual misconduct, illicit drug use, and improper gifts, among other things.
Ethics Committee’s Decision Marks a Shift
The committee’s decision to release the report marks a significant shift, as it had previously deadlocked on whether to release the findings in light of Gaetz’s resignation from Congress. The move has sparked controversy, with some arguing that it sets a “terrible precedent” to release findings on a person who is no longer a member of Congress.
Precedent Set in Past Cases
However, the Ethics Committee has released reports on former members of Congress in the past. In 1987, it released a report on campaign misconduct allegations against former Rep. Bill Boner, and in 2006, it released a report related to messages sent by former Rep. Mark Foley to congressional pages.
What’s Next?
The release of the report is expected to shed more light on the allegations against Gaetz, and could have significant implications for his future political career. Stay tuned for further updates as this story continues to unfold.
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