House Ethics Committee plans to discuss probe into Gaetz after resignation from Congress

The House Ethics Committee may convene this week to further delve into the allegations surrounding former Rep. Matt Gaetz, who was recently tapped by President-elect Donald Trump to serve as the next attorney general. The committee received information from a woman who claimed to have engaged in a sexual relationship with Gaetz when she was 17 years old, as reported by ABC News.

This development comes amidst an ongoing investigation by the Department of Justice (DOJ) into Gaetz for alleged sex trafficking and obstruction of justice. The woman, now in her 20s, was reportedly interviewed by the DOJ as part of their probe into the congressman.

Initially, the House Ethics Committee was expected to vote on whether to release their report on Gaetz last Friday. However, Gaetz abruptly announced his resignation from Congress just days before the scheduled meeting, leaving the committee in a state of uncertainty.

Rep. Michael Guest, the chair of the House Ethics Committee, stated that the committee would lose jurisdiction over Gaetz if he resigned to join the administration as attorney general. This would result in the committee no longer being able to issue a report on their findings.

Following Gaetz’s resignation, there have been discussions regarding the release of the committee’s report, especially in light of his potential confirmation hearings for the attorney general position. Some Republicans have argued that the findings should be made public to provide transparency and accountability.

On the other hand, House Speaker Mike Johnson has expressed his belief that the report should not be released, citing concerns about setting a precedent that could be detrimental to the institution. Gaetz himself has consistently denied any wrongdoing and the DOJ ultimately did not pursue charges against him.

The House Ethics Committee’s investigation into Gaetz, which began in 2021, centers around allegations of drug use and sexual misconduct with a minor. Despite the controversy surrounding him, Gaetz has continued to maintain his innocence.

As the situation continues to unfold, the fate of the committee’s report and Gaetz’s potential confirmation as attorney general remain uncertain. The House Ethics Committee’s meeting this week could shed further light on the allegations against the former congressman and their implications for his future.