Ethics Committee Faces Impasse Over Gaetz Report as Confirmation Hearing Approaches

The House ethics committee remains divided over releasing a report on allegations against Matt Gaetz, complicating his confirmation process as attorney general. With no consensus reached yet, senators call for transparency ahead of impending hearings.

A congressional ethics committee is currently deadlocked on whether to release findings regarding alleged sexual misconduct by Matt Gaetz, the controversial nominee for attorney general put forward by Donald Trump. The committee convened for two hours on Wednesday to discuss the report, amid rising pressure for clarity on its investigation into Gaetz, who previously served as a Florida congressman.

"There was no consensus on this issue," stated Democratic Representative Susan Wild after the closed-door meeting. She noted that while a vote was held, the bipartisan panel remained split along party lines. The committee plans to reconvene on December 5, with uncertainty looming over whether the findings will be made public before then.

The ethics committee's investigation intensified as Senate members began conferring with Gaetz ahead of impending confirmation hearings. Gaetz expressed confidence in his ongoing discussions, claiming, "They’ve been going great...senators have been giving me a lot of good advice."

Emerging reports indicate that the committee was prepared to vote on the report's release prior to Gaetz's unexpected resignation from the House. His departure raises doubts about the committee's jurisdiction over him, as it typically investigates current House members. Michael Guest, the committee Chairman, voiced hesitations about releasing the report, emphasizing it remains under review.

Media presence escalated as reporters awaited updates from committee members exiting the meeting. Congressman Mark DeSaulnier expressed optimism that the committee would eventually reach a fair outcome. The 42-year-old Gaetz is a former attorney known for his strong allegiance to Trump and his contentious role in congressional matters, including his pivotal participation in unseating House Speaker Kevin McCarthy last year.

Despite notable Republican backing for Gaetz's nomination, he has faced persistent allegations of misconduct. The Department of Justice previously examined claims of a sexual relationship with a minor, though the case was ultimately shelved without charges against him. In June, the ethics committee publicly acknowledged its inquiries into allegations of sexual misconduct, drug use, accepting improper gifts, and other improprieties involving Gaetz.

Two women reportedly testified regarding Gaetz's involvement in payment-for-sex arrangements, with one alleging she witnessed him engage in sexual activity with a minor at a 2017 party. Gaetz has consistently denied all allegations, framing them as politically motivated attacks.

Trump demonstrates steadfast support for Gaetz, asserting, "Matt Gaetz will be the next attorney general. He’s the right man for the job." Meanwhile, Democratic Senator Dick Durbin, chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, urged for the preservation and sharing of the ethics report, emphasizing its relevance to the confirmation process. Republican Senator Chuck Grassley echoed the need for transparency, advocating for expedient consideration of Gaetz's nomination as discussions continue over the ethics committee's stalled report.