House Blocks Release of Gaetz Ethics Report in 206-198 Vote Amid Misconduct Allegations

Dec 5, 2024, 11:15 PM

On December 5, the House of Representatives voted 206-198 against releasing the Ethics Committee's report on former Rep. Matt Gaetz, blocking Democratic efforts to make the findings public. The Ethics Committee had been investigating Gaetz for years over allegations including sexual misconduct, drug use, and improper acceptance of gifts. House Democrats, led by Reps. Sean Casten and Steve Cohen, introduced two resolutions to force the release of the report, but both were defeated largely along party lines, with only Rep. Tom McClintock joining Democrats. House Republicans blocked the release twice, pushing the fate of the report into further uncertainty. The Ethics Committee met earlier in the day but delayed a decision on whether to release the report, stating that they are continuing to discuss the matter. Gaetz resigned from Congress and withdrew his name from consideration for Attorney General under President-elect Donald Trump.