House Rejects Release of Gaetz Ethics Report

The House of Representatives voted against releasing the ethics report on former Rep. Matt Gaetz, following allegations of sexual misconduct and drug use, which Gaetz denies. The decision followed a party-line vote with nearly all Republicans opposing the release, despite Democratic efforts to make the report public. Gaetz resigned from Congress shortly after being nominated by President-elect Donald Trump for attorney general, a nomination he later withdrew. The Ethics Committee, evenly split between Republicans and Democrats, has been unable to reach a consensus on publishing the findings, maintaining that the report's release is inappropriate now that Gaetz is no longer a sitting member. House Speaker Mike Johnson argued that releasing the report would set a negative precedent, while some Democrats have pointed out instances where reports were published post-resignation. The committee continues to deliberate on the matter, with no clear resolution in sight.