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The House Ethics Committee has voted to release the results of an investigation into former Congressman Matt Gaetz, reversing an earlier decision to withhold the findings, CNN reported. The report, expected to be made public after the final day of voting in the House this week, follows a lengthy probe into allegations of sexual misconduct, drug use, and other ethical violations against Gaetz. The investigation examined whether Gaetz engaged in sexual misconduct, shared inappropriate images on the House floor, and misused campaign funds, among other allegations.
The decision to release the report marks a significant shift from a previous party-line vote in November against its release. Gaetz, who has denied any wrongdoing, resigned from Congress amid these allegations and has since announced plans to join One America News Network as a political talk show host starting in January.
Despite the House Ethics Committee's decision, Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson had urged the panel not to release the report, arguing that the committee no longer has jurisdiction over Gaetz, who is no longer a congressman. Johnson warned that releasing the report could open "Pandora's box."
The investigation into Gaetz also coincided with a separate Department of Justice investigation, which ultimately did not result in charges against him.