Republicans Keep Gaetz Report Under Wraps: What's Next?

In a surprising move, Republicans on the House Ethics Committee voted against releasing an investigation report on Matt Gaetz. The panel, led by Republicans, decided to keep the report secret, even though Democrats and some Senate Republicans wanted it made public before Gaetz's confirmation hearing. This decision raises questions about what happens to the confidential information already gathered by the committee. The committee plans to meet again in December, hoping to finalize the report by then. However, pressure is mounting to release the report's contents as Gaetz meets with GOP senators who will decide his fate as attorney general. Democrats are now trying to figure out their next steps, with just weeks left in the current Congress. Democratic Rep. Sean Casten, close to House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, tried to force the report's release through a privileged resolution. Before he could, another Democrat, Rep. Steve Cohen, made a similar attempt. Any House member can force the release of the ethics report by arguing it's crucial to the "dignity and integrity" of the House. However, the measure must pass strict procedural rules to reach the floor. It's uncertain if Cohen's measure will pass these rules, but if it does, the Speaker will have to bring it to the floor within two legislative days. Privately, Democrats believe Republicans will block the measure from getting a vote. The Ethics Committee, chaired by Rep. Michael Guest, continues to work on the report. Guest said the report isn't finished, though lawmakers disagree on whether the investigation is technically complete. Rep. Susan Wild, the top Democrat on the committee, clarified that her party doesn't agree with the Republicans' decision. Wild stressed that there was no unanimity or consensus on keeping the report secret. Wild later spoke to reporters, emphasizing that Guest's comments misrepresented the committee's decision. She added that the panel will meet again on December 5 to discuss the matter further.