This week, the House is set to consider a resolution that would compel the House Ethics Committee to disclose its report regarding former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.). This follows Rep. Sean Casten’s (D-Ill.) renewed efforts on Tuesday to advance an updated version of the resolution, despite Gaetz’s withdrawal from consideration for President-elect Trump’s Attorney General position.
The privileged resolution will necessitate a response from the House within two legislative days, potentially leading to action on the matter this week.
Before Gaetz retracted his name, Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) had already expressed opposition to the release of the ethics report, asserting that it would be inappropriate to publish findings about a non-member. To block the resolution, House GOP leaders are likely to propose a motion to table it, preventing a vote on the core issue.
Rep. Casten argues that accountability should not end with resignation from Congress
“The Committee on Ethics has, on many occasions, released its reports on former members,” Casten stated in a Tuesday announcement. He emphasized that resigning from Congress should not exempt individuals from facing accountability for serious allegations like those concerning Gaetz. He further noted that withholding this report from the public undermines the dignity and integrity of the House’s legislative process.
Casten initially sought to push for a vote on releasing the Gaetz report before Congress adjourned for the Thanksgiving holiday, but his office indicated that the effort expired after two days.
His revised resolution presents several instances where the House Ethics Committee has continued its investigations or published reports concerning former House members.
Although uncommon, there is historical precedent for the Ethics panel to issue a report about a non-member. In 1987, it released a report on former Rep. Bill Boner (D-Tenn.) following inquiries into allegations of campaign fund misuse and bribery. Similarly, in 2006, the panel published findings regarding former Rep. Mark Foley (R-Fla.), focusing on the actions of House Republican leaders.
Typically, the Ethics Committee lacks jurisdiction over former lawmakers. However, in November, it opted not to release its nearly complete report soon after Trump selected Gaetz for the attorney general role. As of last week, the committee was expected to convene again on Thursday to further discuss the Gaetz matter, according to a source familiar with its agenda.
The committee’s investigation into Gaetz included allegations of sexual misconduct, illicit drug use, and receiving improper gifts, among other claims. Gaetz has adamantly denied any wrongdoing, including accusations of engaging in sexual activity with a 17-year-old girl. The Department of Justice chose not to pursue charges against him after examining similar allegations.
Rep. Steve Cohen (D-Tenn.) is also among the Democrats seeking to prompt action regarding the release of the report. He attempted to force a vote on the Gaetz report before the Thanksgiving recess.
Following Gaetz’s withdrawal from consideration, Cohen had indicated on MSNBC that he would persist in advocating for a vote on the report’s release. His office has not yet responded to inquiries about whether he continues to pursue a separate resolution.
Given the narrow majority in the House, at least a few Republicans would need to dissent from GOP leadership and support the release of the Gaetz report for it to pass, assuming unanimous Democratic backing.
