Special Poll
- The House Ethics Committee found substantial evidence that former Rep. Matt Gaetz engaged in illegal and unethical behavior, including paying a 17-year-old for sex, using illicit drugs, and obstructing a congressional investigation.
- A report released Monday concluded that Gaetz violated House rules and state and federal laws related to prostitution, statutory rape, drug use, impermissible gifts, special favors, and obstruction of Congress.
- Gaetz has denied the allegations, claiming his behavior may have been “embarrassing but not criminal.” He attempted to block the report’s release with a last-minute lawsuit.
- The Department of Justice declined to file charges against Gaetz after investigating similar allegations, partly due to concerns about proving he knew the girl’s age. The Ethics Committee, however, noted that Florida law does not allow ignorance of a minor’s age as a defense.
- Additional findings accuse Gaetz of accepting improper gifts, such as expenses for a 2018 trip to the Bahamas, and using his office to provide expedited passports for personal acquaintances.
- The committee reported that Gaetz obstructed its investigation by refusing to testify voluntarily, ignoring subpoenas, and delaying the submission of requested evidence.
- Interest in the case peaked when President-elect Trump nominated Gaetz for attorney general. Gaetz resigned from Congress shortly before the report’s release and later withdrew his name from consideration amid GOP opposition.
- The committee released its findings despite opposition, marking one of the rare instances where such action was taken for a former member of Congress. Chairman Michael Guest criticized the decision, arguing it deviated from long-standing practices and lacked jurisdiction over Gaetz.
- Democrats and some Republicans argued the report was necessary due to the serious nature of the allegations and Gaetz’s Cabinet nomination, while others believed it should not have been released after his resignation.
- The Ethics Committee’s decision to publish the report follows debates reminiscent of past cases, such as the 2006 investigation into former Rep. Mark Foley. However, this instance has sparked concerns about the potential politicization of the committee’s process.