Former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) is defending what he says is “embarrassing, though not criminal” previous habits and taking a shot on the Home Ethics Committee, following studies that the panel voted to launch its findings about him.
The feedback got here shortly after studies had been revealed that the committee plans to make its findings public after the Home is completed voting for the 12 months, which might be as quickly as later this week. A supply confirmed the plans to The Hill.
Gaetz, in an announcement posted on the social platform X, pointed to the Division of Justice’s (DOJ) determination to not cost him after investigating allegations of a sexual encounter with a 17-year-old, claiming he was “FULLY EXONERATED.” He did, nonetheless, admit to an “embarrassing” previous.
“In my single days, I often sent funds to women I dated – even some I never dated but who asked. I dated several of these women for years. I NEVER had sexual contact with someone under 18. Any claim that I have would be destroyed in court – which is why no such claim was ever made in court,” Gaetz wrote. “My 30’s were an era of working very hard – and playing hard too. It’s embarrassing, though not criminal, that I probably partied, womanized, drank and smoked more than I should have earlier in life. I live a different life now.”
The Hill has reached out to the Ethics Committee for extra info.
The Home Ethics Committee started its investigation into Gaetz in 2021, analyzing allegations of sexual misconduct and illicit drug use. He was additionally investigated for allegedly accepting improper presents, dishing out particular privileges and favors to people with whom he had a private relationship and searching for to hinder authorities investigations of his conduct.
Stories that the Ethics Committee is making ready to make public the outcomes of its investigation, which had been first revealed by CNN, marks a stark reversal for the panel. A vote final month on whether or not to launch the report failed.
The Ethics Committee gathered for its ultimate assembly of the 118th Congress final week, Chair Michael Visitor (R-Miss.) advised The Hill, although he didn’t disclose what was mentioned.
The panel — which is thought for conducting its enterprise in secrecy — for weeks has been debating whether or not to launch its report into Gaetz.
The query of releasing the findings catapulted into the highlight after President-elect Trump chosen Gaetz to be legal professional basic and Gaetz instantly resigned from Congress.
The investigation got here to an abrupt halt after Gaetz resigned, for the reason that panel doesn’t have jurisdiction over former members of Congress. Dealing with an uphill battle to affirmation within the Senate, he then withdrew his identify from consideration and introduced he wouldn’t retake his Home seat in January.
Since then, the committee has seen tensions flare over the heated debate about releasing the report. Final month, Rep. Susan Wild (Pa.), the highest Democrat on the panel, was absent from the group’s assembly after being traced as a leaker to the press in regards to the Gaetz investigation.
Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) and different Republicans publicly advocated in opposition to the Ethics panel releasing its report on Gaetz, arguing it was inappropriate to launch a report on a nonmember. Whereas uncommon, the panel has launched findings on former members prior to now.
Gaetz slammed the committee for persevering with to analyze him regardless of the DOJ declining to cost him.
“Then, the very ‘witnesses’ DOJ deemed not-credible were assembled by House Ethics to repeat their claims absent any cross-examination or challenge from me or my attorneys,” Gaetz stated. “I’ve had no chance to ever confront any accusers. I’ve never been charged. I’ve never been sued.”
“Instead, House Ethics will reportedly post a report online that I have no opportunity to debate or rebut as a former member of the body,” Gaetz stated.
The previous lawmaker, who is about to turn out to be a number on One America Information Community, took a ultimate shot at Congress because it prepares to vote on a 1,500-page spending deal this week.
“But at least I didn’t vote for CR’s that f‑‑‑ over the country!” Gaetz stated.
