Matt Gaetz Isn’t Done With Politics

Former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) may no longer be in Congress, but the ongoing saga over the House Ethics Committee’s investigation into him is nearing its final chapter. The committee has spent years looking into allegations ranging from sexual misconduct to drug use and accepting improper gifts. Despite the media frenzy, Gaetz has denied all accusations, including the most serious claim that he had an inappropriate relationship with a 17-year-old girl. The Department of Justice even declined to file charges after a thorough investigation.

Now, with Gaetz’s name no longer in the running for attorney general, the pressure to release the Ethics Committee’s report has intensified. Representatives Steve Cohen (D-Tenn.) and Sean Casten (D-Ill.) have each introduced separate resolutions demanding that the committee disclose its findings, and they’re prepared to force a vote on the matter in the coming days. Their push to release the report remains even though Gaetz has withdrawn from consideration for a Cabinet position.

However, Republican members of the House, including Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) and Ethics Committee Chair Michael Guest (R-Miss.), argue against releasing the report on a former member. Johnson has been vocal about the improper nature of disclosing findings involving ex-members of Congress, and Guest recently echoed this sentiment, suggesting that Gaetz’s withdrawal from the Cabinet nomination should end the debate.

Despite these strong objections, some Republicans have indicated they might support the report’s release, primarily out of a desire for transparency. Rep. Derrick Van Orden (R-Wis.) has said that it’s vital for the public to have all the information so they can make informed decisions. Other Republicans have expressed similar views, though it’s unclear whether there will be enough crossover support to release the report.

If the Democrats’ resolutions succeed in forcing a vote, Republicans may seek to table or refer them to committee, essentially killing the effort. With the outcome hanging in the balance, the final decision will reveal whether Republicans can maintain their opposition to publicizing the report or whether a few members will break ranks in the name of transparency.

Although it’s rare for the Ethics Committee to release a report on a former lawmaker, it’s not unprecedented. In the past, the committee released reports on former members like Rep. William Boner (D-Tenn.) in 1987 and Sen. John Ensign (R-Nev.) in 2011 after they left office. Whether Gaetz’s report will see the light of day remains to be seen, but with the House divided, it’s clear that the decision is far from settled.