The House Ethics Committee has voted to release its investigative report on allegations of sexual misconduct and obstruction against former Florida Representative Matt Gaetz.
The decision came after two Republican members joined their Democratic counterparts, overcoming prior opposition from Republicans on the committee, sources told CBS News.
The vote to publish the report occurred on December 5, with the evenly split committee, comprising five Republicans and five Democrats, ultimately agreeing to make the findings public. According to sources, the report is expected to be released in the coming days.
The Ethics Committee’s decision follows a recent vote by House Republicans to send the case back to the committee, effectively blocking two Democratic resolutions that sought to force the report’s immediate release. The report gained renewed attention after President-elect Donald Trump nominated Gaetz for the position of Attorney General.
Gaetz resigned from Congress following his nomination but later withdrew from consideration amid widespread speculation that his confirmation process would be contentious.
Publishing the report is unusual, as it involves a former member of Congress who has already vacated their position. Many senior lawmakers, including some Democrats, have expressed concerns about the precedent this sets for disclosing findings related to former representatives.
The Ethics Committee had previously announced in June that it was investigating allegations against Gaetz, which included sexual misconduct, bribery, and illicit substance use.
Gaetz has consistently denied the allegations, describing the investigation as a politically motivated “witch hunt.” On Wednesday, he released a statement on X, formerly Twitter, emphasizing that he has not been charged with any crimes.
The Biden/Garland DOJ spent years reviewing allegations that I committed various crimes.
— Matt Gaetz (@mattgaetz) December 18, 2024
I was charged with nothing: FULLY EXONERATED. Not even a campaign finance violation. And the people investigating me hated me.
Then, the very “witnesses” DOJ deemed not-credible were…
“The people investigating me hated me,” Gaetz stated. “Then, the very ‘witnesses’ DOJ deemed not credible were assembled by House Ethics to repeat their claims absent any cross-examination or challenge from me and my attorneys. I’ve had no chance to ever confront any accusers. I’ve never been charged. I’ve never been sued. Instead, House Ethics will reportedly post a report online that I have no opportunity to debate or rebut as a former member of the body.”
The allegations against Gaetz include accusations of sexual misconduct involving minors, claims he has categorically denied.
Addressing his personal life, Gaetz admitted to behavior he characterized as embarrassing but not criminal.
“In my single days, I often sent funds to women I dated—even some I never dated but who asked,” Gaetz said. “I NEVER had sexual contact with someone under 18. Any claim that I have would be destroyed in court—which is why no such claim was ever made in court. My 30s were an era of working very hard—and playing hard too. It’s embarrassing, though not criminal, that I probably partied, womanized, drank, and smoked more than I should have earlier in life. I live a different life now.”
After leaving Congress, Gaetz announced he would anchor a show on the news network One America News (OAN). His nomination for Attorney General, which had initially sparked excitement among his supporters, ended when he withdrew after meeting with senators who expressed doubts about his ability to clear the confirmation process.
The Ethics Committee report, once released, is expected to shed more light on the investigation’s findings. However, the lack of charges or lawsuits against Gaetz thus far complicates the narrative.
With the Ethics Committee set to publish its findings and Gaetz embarking on a new chapter outside of Congress, the controversy surrounding his tenure and allegations is likely to persist in public discourse.