House lawmakers are set to vote on whether to release a report from the Ethics Committee regarding allegations against former Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida. The report concerns accusations of drug use, sexual misconduct with a minor, and obstruction of a House probe. Gaetz has denied the allegations, which have affected his political career. The Ethics Committee has been unable to reach a decision on whether to release the report, prompting the full House to take a vote on the matter. Democrats are pushing for the report to be made public, while Republicans argue that the committee’s jurisdiction pertains only to sitting members of Congress. The vote is expected to be along party lines, with Republicans likely to table or kill the resolutions to release the report. There are precedents for the Ethics Committee to release reports on former members, such as in cases involving Rep. Bill Boner and Rep. Mark Foley. Democrats argue that failure to release the report undermines the committee’s credibility and the integrity of House proceedings. Despite opposition from Republicans, the vote is expected to proceed to determine the fate of the report on Gaetz.
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