House Ethics Chair Michael Guest emphasized that the decision on releasing the investigation report on Rep. Matt Gaetz will be made by the committee itself, regardless of Speaker Mike Johnson’s stance on keeping it private.
House Ethics Committee Maintains Independence
The House Ethics Committee, chaired by Michael Guest, will independently decide whether to release the investigation report into Rep. Matt Gaetz. Despite Speaker Mike Johnson’s public opposition to releasing the report, Guest assured that the panel’s decision will not be influenced by Johnson’s views.
2. Access to the Report
Guest confirmed that all members of the committee now have access to the report on Gaetz, which was previously only available to himself and Rep. Susan Wild, the committee’s top Democrat. This move ensures that all members can review the findings before the committee reaches a decision on its release.
3. Speaker Johnson’s Stance
Guest noted that he and Speaker Johnson had discussed the matter over the weekend. Johnson reiterated his position against releasing the report publicly. Despite this, Guest stated that the committee’s decision would not be swayed by the Speaker’s opinion. Guest also mentioned that no one from the Trump administration had contacted him about the matter.
4. Gaetz’s Resignation and Ethics Investigation
Rep. Matt Gaetz resigned from the House of Representatives following rumors about the imminent release of the Ethics report. The investigation looked into several allegations, including accusations that Gaetz had engaged in sexual misconduct with a minor, which he has denied. The Ethics Committee’s report could play a key role in determining Gaetz’s future in politics.
5. Calls for Transparency
Both Republican and Democratic members of the Senate Judiciary Committee have called for access to the report, especially after Gaetz was appointed as President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for attorney general. The Ethics Committee’s decision on whether to release the findings has become a point of contention as the political landscape shifts.
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