House Ethics Committee Delays Gaetz Report Release

The House Ethics Committee remains divided on whether to release a report investigating attorney general-designate Matt Gaetz over allegations of sexual misconduct and drug use. Chairman Rep. Michael Guest indicated that the committee, which is evenly split between Republicans and Democrats, could not reach an agreement on releasing an 'unfinished work product'. Senate Republicans, including Mike Rounds, expressed concern that if the report is not made public, it could delay the confirmation process for Gaetz, who has resigned from Congress amid these allegations. Meanwhile, GOP leadership appears hesitant to push for the report's release, with some senators deferring to House Speaker Mike Johnson's stance against it. Supporters of Gaetz, like Senator Lindsey Graham, argue that the lack of charges from the Justice Department should alleviate concerns. The situation continues to unfold as the Senate prepares for Gaetz's nomination amid a backdrop of ethical scrutiny.