The House of Representatives on Thursday rejected an attempt by Democrats to release an ethics report investigating sexual misconduct allegations against former Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida.
Many Republicans have argued that the Congressional investigation into Gaetz should have ended with his resignation, following persistent demands by Democrats to release the report. According to To the Associated Press. House Speaker Mike Johnson also urged the committee not to release its findings, saying it would set a harmful precedent.
The vote ended 206-198, with Republican Rep. Tom McClintock of California the only Republican to vote against the motion to send the report back to KSBY’s Ethics Committee. reported. The House Ethics Committee has considered accusations against Mr. Gates of sexual misconduct, illegal drug use, and accepting inappropriate gifts, all of which he denies. The Justice Department declared last year that it would not prosecute him.
WATCH: Congressman Matt Gaetz responds to sexual misconduct allegations on Tucker Carlson Tonight:
He says a former Justice Department official named David McGee is trying to extort money from his family.
He says the FBI and Justice Department have audio recordings that prove his innocence. pic.twitter.com/J95AEFtxsr
— Daily Caller (@DailyCaller) March 31, 2021
Although extremely unusual, there have been cases in which ethics reports have been disclosed after a member resigned. The House Ethics Committee chose not to release its findings against Gaetz in November. (Related: Victor Davis Hanson explains why he thinks Matt Gaetz could be chosen as Trump’s ‘sacrificial lamb’)
“There was no agreement by the committee to release the report,” said Mississippi Republican Rep. Michael Guest.
Gaetz announced his resignation from Congress after President-elect Donald Trump nominated him to be attorney general. Gates later withdrew his name from consideration for attorney general, saying his confirmation process was unduly interfering with President Trump’s transition efforts.
President Trump subsequently nominated former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi as his candidate for U.S. attorney general. In an announcement on Truth Social, President Trump praised Bondi’s efforts to combat drug trafficking.
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