House Blocks Release of Matt Gaetz Ethics Report

The House of Representatives voted to block the release of an ethics report concerning former Rep. Matt Gaetz, following nearly party-line votes that further obfuscate the investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct and drug abuse against him. Despite Democrats' efforts to publish the findings, Republicans argued that the investigation ceased upon Gaetz's resignation from Congress, a move that was also linked to his withdrawal from consideration for President-elect Donald Trump's attorney general position. House Speaker Mike Johnson expressed concerns that releasing the report would set a dangerous precedent, while Rep. Sean Casten asserted that denying the report's release would sweep serious allegations under the rug. Ultimately, the Ethics Committee has met twice since Gaetz's resignation but has not reached a decision on whether to disclose the report, leaving its future uncertain as Congress prepares for a new session. Gaetz has consistently denied the allegations against him, and the matter has become a contentious political issue.