House Ethics Panel Deadlocks on Gaetz Investigation Report Ahead of AG Confirmation

The House Committee on Ethics is at a stalemate over whether to release its investigation report on attorney general-designate Matt Gaetz, lawmakers confirmed Wednesday. Gaetz, who is facing scrutiny over past allegations of underage sex trafficking and other misconduct, has denied all claims, calling them fabricated and unreliable.

Call for Transparency

Rep. Sean Casten (D-Ill.) announced plans to introduce a privileged motion forcing the report’s release if the Ethics Committee remains inactive. Casten argued that the report is crucial as the Senate prepares to assess Gaetz’s nomination.

“These are serious and credible allegations,” Casten said. “The House Ethics Committee has conducted years of investigation, and this information is necessary for the Senate to fulfill its constitutional duty of advice and consent.”

Privileged motions must be addressed within two legislative days but can be blocked by a simple majority vote.

Debate over Precedent

Rep. Susan Wild (D-Pa.) noted the precedent of releasing unfinished Ethics Committee reports, citing a 1987 case involving former Rep. Bill Boner (D-Tenn.).

However, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) has cautioned against making such reports public, arguing it could create unintended consequences.

Rep. Michael Guest (R-Miss.), the committee’s ranking Republican, expressed hesitancy, calling the report an “unfinished work product” still under review. Following a two-hour closed-door meeting, Guest confirmed the panel remains divided along party lines.

Allegations and Witness Testimony

Witnesses from the Justice Department’s investigation into Gaetz testified before the Ethics Committee. A woman claimed she saw Gaetz engaging in sexual activity with a 17-year-old at a 2017 party, alleging he made payments via Venmo totaling over $10,000 for sex, according to an ABC News report.

The Senate Judiciary Committee is also seeking access to the investigation’s findings. Committee member Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) stressed the importance of having all relevant details before confirming Gaetz’s appointment.

Meanwhile, Senate Democrats have requested FBI Director Christopher Wray to release federal interview reports related to the investigation.

Next Steps

The Ethics Committee will reconvene on Dec. 5 to discuss the report. Only one Republican vote is needed to approve its release, but partisan gridlock persists.

Gaetz resigned from Congress on Nov. 13, shortly after President-elect Donald Trump nominated him for attorney general. His sudden departure halted the Ethics Committee’s investigation, leaving unresolved questions that could impact his confirmation process.