House Ethics Committee Deadlocks on Releasing Gaetz Report

The committee ended a meeting Wednesday with no agreement to release its report on sexual misconduct allegations against Matt Gaetz. Democratic lawmakers are seeking to force a floor vote.

The Details: Gaetz, whom Trump intends to nominate for U.S. Attorney General, was accompanied by Vice President-elect J.D. Vance on Wednesday as he met with Republican senators to try to earn their confirmation votes. Some said they want to see the report, though others have argued it shouldn't be released. After the committee's announcement, Rep. Sean Casten (D-IL) introduced a privileged motion to hold a floor vote on releasing the report. As a privileged motion, the House must take it up within two business days unless it votes to table it.

Key Quotes: 

• Rep. Casten said, "The allegations against Matt Gaetz are serious. They are credible. The House Ethics Committee has spent years conducting a thorough investigation to get to the bottom of it. This information must be made available for the Senate to provide its constitutionally required advice and consent.”

• Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) said, "I fear the [confirmation] process…is turning into an angry mob, and unverified allegations are being treated as if they are true. I have seen this movie before."

How the Media Covered It: The story was widely covered across the spectrum. The Hill (Center bias) and NBC News (Lean Left) quoted various Republicans who agreed or disagreed with releasing the report. Washington Examiner (Lean Right) didn't discuss the intraparty politics of Gaetz's candidacy, but went into detail about the allegations against him. Its article repeatedly called Casten's motion a "threat."