New York [US], November 21: CNN reported that the House Ethics Committee voted on November 20 to block the release of the results of its investigation into Matt Gaetz, despite a public effort by Democrats. Gaetz is suspected of being involved in a sex scandal and his appointment as attorney general in the upcoming administration has caused strong opposition from Democrats and some Republicans.
House Republican leaders have defended Mr. Gaetz, saying that he is no longer a member of the legislature and therefore cannot continue the investigation or release relevant information. Mr. Gaetz is said to have resigned from the House shortly before the results of the investigation were released.
Matt Gaetz will face a Senate confirmation hearing to be attorney general. Although Republicans will control the chamber in the next term, pressure is reportedly mounting to release the report for senators to consider.
Meanwhile, Democratic Rep. Sean Casten said he would introduce a privilege resolution to force the release of the report. According to CNN, any member of the House can file a privilege resolution if they believe it is at stake for the honor and integrity of the House. However, the proposal would need to go through complicated procedures to get to a vote in the House. Democratic Rep. Steve Cohen also said he would seek to release the report through a vote in the House. Republicans are expected to block this.
On the other hand, the House Ethics Committee decided on November 20 to meet again in December while lawmakers continue to finalize the report.
After the vote on November 20, Rep. Susan Wild, the top Democrat on the committee, accused Republicans of "betraying the process" by announcing the vote as soon as they left the meeting. "He (Committee Chairman Michael Guest) implied that there was a consensus within the committee not to release the report. That is not true," Ms. Wild said, adding that the issue had not been resolved and would be considered again on December 5.
Source: Thanh Nien Newspaper