This week, the House Ethics Committee is set to make a crucial decision regarding the release of its report on former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.), following his nomination by President-elect Trump for the role of attorney general.
The debate over whether to disclose the report has sparked intense discussions on Capitol Hill. While some lawmakers, from both parties, are calling for its publication as Gaetz pursues the attorney general position, others—particularly Republicans—argue that the matter is irrelevant since he no longer holds a congressional seat.
Last week, Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) sided with the latter viewpoint, warning that releasing the report could open a “Pandora’s box” for future investigations of ex-members of Congress. The committee’s next move remains uncertain, with sources describing the situation as “very fluid.”
Debate intensifies over whether to disclose the Ethics report on former Rep. Gaetz
Other Trump cabinet picks are also expected to generate discussion in the coming days, particularly in the Senate, where confirmation hearings and votes are imminent. A key focus will be Trump’s nominee for secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, who has recently been linked to a sexual assault case, according to new reports.
Additionally, lawmakers are preparing to address government funding as the December 20 shutdown deadline looms. Over the weekend, Speaker Johnson proposed a short-term spending bill, extending the deadline into early next year when Republicans will hold a trifecta in Washington.
The controversy surrounding the Gaetz Ethics report is expected to intensify, with growing pressure for the committee to release its findings, despite Speaker Johnson’s efforts to keep them under wraps.
It remains uncertain when the committee will reconvene. A meeting scheduled for last Friday was postponed, according to committee chairman Michael Guest (R-Miss.), though no official cancellation was announced.
The ongoing debate comes after Speaker Johnson reiterated his stance against publishing the report on Sunday, emphasizing the importance of maintaining tradition by refraining from issuing reports on former lawmakers.
He pointed out that although such reports had been released twice in history—once in 1987 with former Rep. William Boner (D-Tenn.)—those were considered exceptional cases, not the norm.
“There’s a very important reason for the tradition and the rule,” Johnson said on “Fox News Sunday,” explaining that the Ethics Committee’s jurisdiction should be limited to current members of Congress.
Johnson’s comments marked a shift from his previous position earlier in the week, where he had claimed not to be involved in decisions regarding the timing of the report’s release. Speculation has surfaced about whether his change of tone was influenced by discussions with Trump, though Johnson denied any conversation on the matter.
The Ethics Committee has been investigating allegations against Gaetz, including claims of sexual misconduct and drug use, since 2021. Gaetz has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
Speaker Johnson pushes back on releasing the Gaetz report, citing tradition and congressional norms
Meanwhile, Hegseth’s nomination for secretary of Defense is drawing increased attention after reports surfaced last week linking him to a sexual assault investigation. The Monterey Police Department confirmed that Hegseth was questioned as part of an inquiry into an alleged assault at a home in October 2017, though no charges were filed, and it was unclear whether Hegseth was the aggressor.
Adding to the controversy, The Washington Post reported that Hegseth paid a woman who accused him of sexual assault as part of a settlement agreement. These revelations are expected to dominate Senate discussions ahead of Hegseth’s confirmation hearing next year.
Hegseth’s past comments, including his belief that women should not serve in combat roles, had already placed his confirmation in jeopardy. With the new allegations, some lawmakers, such as Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), questioned whether these revelations could derail his confirmation.
Johnson also addressed the government funding debate on Sunday, revealing that the House will likely pursue a short-term spending bill before the shutdown deadline in December. However, it remains unclear whether both Democrats and Republicans will support such a measure.
“We’re running out of clock,” Johnson acknowledged, explaining that a temporary bill could extend the funding deadline into next year, aligning with Republican control over the House, Senate, and White House.
This strategy would give Republicans greater influence over government spending for fiscal year 2025. However, the proposal may face opposition from Democrats, who prefer to finalize funding decisions with their control over the Senate and the Biden administration.
Additionally, hardline Republicans have long opposed continuing resolutions, potentially complicating the bill’s passage. Lawmakers must act by December 20 to prevent a government shutdown.
