The House of Representatives on Thursday narrowly rejected an effort by Democrats to force the public release of an ethics report concerning former Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., whose abrupt resignation last month continues to generate controversy.
The resolution, introduced by Rep. Sean Casten, D-Ill., sought to compel House leaders to publish findings from a years-long investigation into allegations against Gaetz, including accusations of sex with a minor and illicit drug use.
The measure, presented as a “privileged resolution,” required expedited consideration, but it was defeated in a 206 to 198 vote to refer the matter to committee. With Republicans holding control of the committee system, the referral effectively killed the effort, as it is unlikely the report will move forward. Only one Republican, Rep. Tom McClintock, R-Calif., broke ranks to support the Democrats’ push.
The House Ethics Committee had been investigating Gaetz for years, but its jurisdiction ended with his resignation from Congress last month. Gaetz’s departure came amid his failed bid to become President-elect Donald Trump’s attorney general, a move that reportedly surprised even some allies. His exit also coincided with the Ethics Committee’s imminent decision on whether to release its findings publicly.
While Gaetz has consistently denied the allegations and a separate federal investigation ended without charges, Democrats argue that the report’s release is necessary for accountability. Rep. Casten and other Democrats maintain that withholding the findings undermines transparency, especially given the seriousness of the accusations.
House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., defended the decision to keep the report under wraps, citing longstanding congressional traditions. “It doesn’t follow our rules and traditions, and there is a reason for that,” Johnson said, warning that publishing the report could set a precedent that would “open up Pandora’s box” for investigations into former lawmakers.
Johnson’s stance reflects broader Republican reluctance to revisit the Gaetz case, with party leaders emphasizing the finality of his resignation and the potential institutional risks of releasing post-tenure reports.
The House Ethics Committee has been deeply divided on the issue, meeting twice since Gaetz’s resignation without reaching consensus. Their most recent meeting occurred just hours before the vote on Casten’s resolution, highlighting the partisan gridlock surrounding the case.
For his part, Gaetz has continued to deny all allegations of wrongdoing. Following the conclusion of the federal investigation without charges, he framed the inquiries as politically motivated attacks. However, critics argue that the unresolved Ethics Committee investigation leaves unanswered questions about his conduct while in office.
