The House of Representatives has blocked an attempt by Democrats to force the release of an ethics report on former Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., marking yet another flashpoint in the ongoing partisan battles over accountability and transparency in Congress.
The resolution, filed by Rep. Sean Casten, D-Ill., was effectively buried after a 206-198 vote to refer the matter to a committee—a GOP-controlled committee that is unlikely to act on it.
Casten’s resolution sought to publicize the findings of a years-long investigation by the House Ethics Committee into allegations against Gaetz, including accusations of sex with a minor and illicit drug use. The effort followed Gaetz’s abrupt resignation last month, which conveniently came just before the Ethics Committee was set to decide whether to release its report.
With Gaetz now out of Congress, Republicans have argued that longstanding traditions preclude the release of ethics reports on former members.
House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., made the case for sticking to precedent, warning that doing otherwise would “open up Pandora’s box” and set a dangerous precedent for the institution.
Gaetz’s resignation coincided with his failed bid to become President-elect Donald Trump’s attorney general, a move that surprised even some of his closest allies. Critics argue that his departure was timed to shield him from further scrutiny, as the Ethics Committee’s jurisdiction ended with his exit from Congress.
The committee has since been deadlocked, meeting twice without reaching a consensus on whether to release the report. The most recent meeting occurred just hours before Thursday’s vote, underscoring the contentious nature of the issue.
The vote to sideline Casten’s resolution highlighted deep partisan divides. Only one Republican, Rep. Tom McClintock, R-Calif., broke ranks to support Democrats’ efforts. The GOP’s reluctance to release the report reflects broader hesitations about setting new precedents for investigating or publicizing the conduct of former members.
Meanwhile, Gaetz has denied all allegations against him, pointing to the conclusion of a federal investigation that ended without charges. Still, questions linger about the Ethics Committee’s findings and whether they contain details that could damage Gaetz’s reputation—or worse.
