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The allegations against Gaetz, which first emerged during his time in Congress, involve accusations of sexual misconduct and the misuse of campaign funds. Though federal investigators chose not to press charges earlier this year, the Ethics Committee’s investigation remained active.
WATCH:
During a closed-door session, the committee held several votes, a source familiar with the meeting told The Hill. One vote sought to release the report in its entirety, but it failed. A second vote aimed at publishing only the exhibits related to the report also fell short. However, a third vote to formally “complete” the report passed with bipartisan support, indicating that the investigation may soon reach its conclusion.
The decision marks the end of a week filled with uncertainty and speculation over the committee’s next steps. Lawmakers from both parties have voiced their support for making the findings public. On the other hand, Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) has been lobbying to keep the report under wraps, even as the confirmation process for Gaetz moves forward amid this growing controversy.
The Hill reported that at the close of the meeting, committee members appeared to agree that the report would be “ready” for release by the next session, hinting at the potential for another vote to release it.
Rep. Susan Wild (D-PA) explained the dynamics of the committee’s votes, noting, “As many of you know, this committee is evenly divided between Democrats and Republicans—five Dems, five Republicans—which means that in order to affirmatively move something forward, somebody has to cross party lines and vote with the other side—which happens a lot, by the way, and we often vote unanimously.”
The allegations against Gaetz have been the subject of significant media attention, particularly following new statements from Joel Leppard, an attorney for two women who testified before the Ethics Committee. Leppard made explosive claims in an interview with ABC News, asserting that Gaetz paid both of his clients for sex. He also revealed that one of his clients had witnessed Gaetz engaging in sexual activity with a third woman, who was just 17 years old at the time.
Leppard recounted the alleged incident, saying, “She testified [that] in July of 2017, at this house party, she was walking out to the pool area, and she looked to her right, and she saw Rep. Gaetz having sex with her friend, who was 17.” Furthermore, Leppard claimed that Gaetz used Venmo to pay both women for sex, further complicating the already controversial case.
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Leppard has called for the Ethics Committee to release its findings publicly, especially as Gaetz’s nomination for attorney general takes center stage in Washington. The continued delay only adds to the political drama surrounding Gaetz, his potential future role in the Trump administration, and the unanswered questions about his past.
With the release of the report still uncertain, all eyes will remain on the Ethics Committee and whether it will ultimately yield to pressure and disclose its findings. As the Gaetz nomination moves forward, it’s clear that the controversy surrounding these allegations will continue to reverberate throughout Washington.
