On November 19, 2024, Hakeem Jeffries, the Minority Leader of the U.S. House of Representatives and a Democratic representative from New York, stated on Sunday that the House Ethics Committee should “of course” release the report on the allegations of misconduct against former congressman Matt Gaetz, a Republican from Florida.
During an interview on NBC News’ “Meet the Press” program with Kristen Welker, Jeffries was asked about his response to House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican from Louisiana, who suggested that the report should not be made public. Jeffries responded, “Of course it should be released.”
Jeffries further emphasized that this is not just the view of Democrats, as Republican senators have also expressed their desire for access to all available information to determine the qualifications of the nominee for Attorney General.
He highlighted the Senate’s clear responsibility as an independent and equal branch of government to provide checks and balances, comparing it to baseball, motherhood, and apple pie as part of American culture.
The House Ethics Committee has been investigating Gaetz since April 2021 regarding allegations of misconduct involving inappropriate sexual behavior, illegal drug use, and more. Gaetz has vehemently denied the accusations. The Department of Justice previously cleared him of allegations related to a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old girl.
Last Wednesday, just hours after being chosen by then President-elect Donald Trump as Attorney General, Gaetz resigned from his seat in the House of Representatives. The Ethics Committee was set to vote on whether to release the investigation results concerning the allegations of inappropriate conduct, illegal drug use, receiving improper gifts, providing privileges and benefits to individuals with whom he had personal relationships, and attempting to hinder government investigations into his behavior.
The committee postponed the vote on whether to release the report last Friday due to jurisdictional issues over former members of Congress. Speaker Johnson explained that since Gaetz was a former member, the Ethics Committee did not have the authority to release the report.
During an appearance on “Fox News Sunday,” Speaker Johnson reiterated his stance, expressing concern that releasing the investigation results could set a dangerous precedent and potentially jeopardize their future work.
Regarding the allegations involving Gaetz, a spokesperson for the Trump transition team, Alex Pfeiffer, dismissed them as unfounded and aimed at undermining the administration’s second term.
It remains unclear how the committee will ultimately handle Gaetz’s report. Some senators are urging the Senate Judiciary Committee to seek access to the report and investigation results during their review process.
The House Ethics Committee is scheduled to revisit the matter next Wednesday.