US House ethics panel expands investigation of Rep. Matt Gaetz

A three-year U.S. House probe into allegations of ethical lapses including sexual misconduct and illicit drug use by Republican Representative Matt Gaetz will expand to investigate whether he tried to obstruct the inquiry, the committee leading it said on Tuesday.

The House of Representatives Ethics Committee said in a statement, "During the course of its investigation, the committee has also identified additional allegations that merit review." The panel noted "difficulty" in obtaining information from the congressman.

The committee, which has been investigating Gaetz since April 2021, said it was ending its investigation of some of the allegations against Gaetz, including claims that he had misused campaign funds and state IDs.

Gaetz, 40, is a four-term northwest Florida congressman and close ally of Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump who played a central role in the 2023 toppling of House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. He has repeatedly denied all allegations of wrongdoing.