Summary
House Republicans blocked efforts to release the Ethics Committee’s report on former Rep. Matt Gaetz, prolonging uncertainty over allegations of sexual misconduct despite his resignation from Congress.
Democrats pushed for transparency, accusing Republicans of hiding credible allegations. Speaker Mike Johnson argued that publishing the report sets a bad precedent.
While ethics reports have rarely been released post-resignation, tensions remain high on the bipartisan committee.
Gaetz denies wrongdoing, and DOJ previously closed its sex trafficking probe without charges. The report’s fate is unclear as the congressional session nears its end.
You have to wonder if the “absence” was intentional, a de facto no vote, but defensible. Sadly, the only reason I can think of why they’d avoid participating is because they wouldn’t want such a report released on them in retaliation, which implies skeletons in their closets or those of fellow Dems. If there are other reasons I’d like to hear them.