Summary

House Republicans blocked efforts to release the Ethics Committee’s report on former Rep. Matt Gaetz, prolonging uncertainty over allegations of sexual misconduct despite his resignation from Congress.

Democrats pushed for transparency, accusing Republicans of hiding credible allegations. Speaker Mike Johnson argued that publishing the report sets a bad precedent.

While ethics reports have rarely been released post-resignation, tensions remain high on the bipartisan committee.

Gaetz denies wrongdoing, and DOJ previously closed its sex trafficking probe without charges. The report’s fate is unclear as the congressional session nears its end.

    • halcyoncmdr@lemmy.world
      link
      fedilink
      English
      arrow-up
      26
      ·
      17 days ago

      100%. And until that happens, we should all just assume the worst case possible is what they found.

      Just like if evidence is destroyed for a trial, the jury is instructed to infer that it must be so damaging that the destruction and their imagination of its contents was somehow a better outcome.

    • chakan2@lemmy.world
      link
      fedilink
      English
      arrow-up
      8
      ·
      17 days ago

      If they leak it, the media will suddenly have a case of morals and refuse to print it. That’s just how these things go.

  • WeUnite@lemm.ee
    link
    fedilink
    English
    arrow-up
    28
    ·
    edit-2
    16 days ago

    16 Democrats were absent. If 9 of them would have showed up both bills would have passed. Sources:

    https://clerk.house.gov/Votes/2024491 https://clerk.house.gov/Votes/2024490

    The list of Democrats who didn’t vote on both of the measures is the same. Here is the list:

    • Earl Blumenauer
    • Jamaal Bowman
    • Jasmine Crockett
    • Henry Cuellar
    • Dwight Evans
    • Lizzie Fletcher
    • Ruben Gallego
    • Jimmy Gomez
    • Raúl M. Grijalva
    • Ted Lieu
    • Kevin Mullin
    • Marie Gluesenkamp Perez
    • Katie Porter
    • Mikie Sherrill
    • Eric Swalwell
    • Jennifer Wexton
      • dirthawker0@lemmy.world
        link
        fedilink
        arrow-up
        4
        ·
        16 days ago

        You have to wonder if the “absence” was intentional, a de facto no vote, but defensible. Sadly, the only reason I can think of why they’d avoid participating is because they wouldn’t want such a report released on them in retaliation, which implies skeletons in their closets or those of fellow Dems. If there are other reasons I’d like to hear them.

  • halcyoncmdr@lemmy.world
    link
    fedilink
    English
    arrow-up
    17
    ·
    17 days ago

    These reports should be required to be released. Either the ethics report shows their actions were ethical, or it doesn’t. Either way the public deserves to know.

  • SarcasticMan@lemmy.world
    link
    fedilink
    arrow-up
    15
    ·
    16 days ago

    Didn’t I read last week that unknown persons gained access to the report? Sure would be a shame if they released it…

  • Bronzebeard@lemm.ee
    link
    fedilink
    English
    arrow-up
    13
    ·
    edit-2
    16 days ago

    A Dem on the committee needs to read it aloud on the house floor. You can read anything there and cannot be prosecuted for it.

  • Artyom@lemm.ee
    link
    fedilink
    arrow-up
    8
    ·
    17 days ago

    Have the republicans learned nothing? Published, verified, sexual assault evidence is WEEKS of headline coverage. This could win him his next election because bad press is a myth and has been for a decade. Gaetz should be begging people to have it released, otherwise he’ll probably fade into obscurity over the next few years because he’s out of power.

    • BigDanishGuy@sh.itjust.works
      link
      fedilink
      arrow-up
      5
      ·
      edit-2
      16 days ago

      They have learned. It’s a strategic decision. The election is just over, people will forget about Gaetz if he gets his week (singular, unless it gets leaked bite sized) of headlines now.

      Next federal election is midterms in two years, right? The same time meatball Ron’s replacement as Florida governor is elected. I give it 18months from now, and the report will be leaked over a couple of weeks. That way every time Gaetz get interviewed he can make more and more outlandish remarks, threaten whomever and launch policy ideas - just like the his senior Florida elected ephebophile has taught him. That will get/keep him in the running, or at least get enough spotlight for some PAC money. If it involves Mrs Matt Gaetz (Ginger Luckey) standing by her man “during these ridiculous accusations”, I bet he’ll be running for governor.

      If the report gets leaked earlier it’ll be because of a special election. It gets leaked later, and especially if the mrs is involved, then watch out. Because then that mother fucker (well, technically kid fucker) is going to run for POTUS after Trump.

      • shalafi@lemmy.world
        link
        fedilink
        English
        arrow-up
        1
        ·
        16 days ago

        He was my Congressman, so I’ve been watching all this horseshit very closely. Think you have it nailed down. Not sure he would be satisfied with Governor, might follow his MO, aim too high, too fast.

  • mojofrododojo@lemmy.world
    link
    fedilink
    English
    arrow-up
    3
    ·
    15 days ago

    yeah you gotta know there’s some fucking wretched shit in there if they’re willing to defend Gaetz this much