The House Ethics Committee reportedly conducted a secret vote to release the findings of its investigation into sexual misconduct allegations against former Rep. Matt Gaetz, according to a recent report.
Gaetz (R-Fla.) resigned from Congress on November 13 after being nominated by President-elect Donald Trump as his choice for attorney general. He later withdrew from consideration eight days later amid concerns from Senate Republicans regarding the allegations.
CNN first reported on Wednesday that the Republican-led Ethics Committee’s secret vote took place sometime in December, with the release of the document anticipated before the end of the month.
The committee’s representatives did not respond immediately to The Post’s request for comments.
Gaetz, 42, has faced allegations of sexual misconduct involving at least one purported underage partner, which he has consistently denied, asserting that the accusations are politically motivated. He highlighted that the Justice Department opted not to pursue charges after investigating the claims.
In response to CNN’s report, Gaetz reiterated his denial of the allegations in a tweet on Wednesday, expressing embarrassment about his past behavior in his 30s. The Biden/Garland DOJ spent years reviewing allegations that I committed various crimes. I was charged with nothing: FULLY EXONERATED,” he stated.
He further remarked, “Not even a campaign finance violation. The individuals investigating me were not my supporters. The very witnesses deemed not credible by the DOJ were brought in by House Ethics to restate their claims without any opportunity for cross-examination or challenge from me or my attorneys.”
Gaetz continued, stating, “I’ve never had the chance to confront my accusers. I’ve never been charged with a crime or sued. Now, House Ethics plans to publish a report online without giving me a chance to debate or respond as a former member of this body.”
Reflecting on his past, he said, “During my single days, I often provided financial support to women I dated—some I had never dated but who asked. Several of these relationships lasted for years. I NEVER had sexual contact with anyone under 18. Any claim to the contrary would collapse in court—hence why no such claim has been formally made.”
“My 30s were a time of hard work and hard partying,” he admitted. “It’s embarrassing, but not criminal, that I likely partook in excessive drinking and smoking during that period. My life has changed since then. But at least I didn’t vote for continuing resolutions that harm the country!”
Previously, House Republicans had blocked the release of the report, with the Ethics Committee voting along party lines against its disclosure last month. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) argued that releasing the report after Gaetz’s departure would be inappropriate.
Earlier this month, the House GOP majority rejected motions to disclose the report’s contents and referred the matter back to the ethics panel.
Currently, Gaetz is hosting a program on One America News Network.
Source: nypost.com
