In The Matter Of Allegations Relating To Representative Matt Gaetz by The Committee On Ethics

When did the Committee on Ethics announce that they were investigating allegations relating to Representative Gaetz?
The Committee on Ethics announced that they were investigating allegations relating to Representative Gaetz on April 9th, 2021.

What allegations did the Committee on Ethics review?
The allegations that the Committee on Ethics reviewed include:

  • Engaging in sexual misconduct.
  • Engaging in illicit drug use.
  • Sharing inappropriate images or videos on the House floor.
  • Misusing state identification records.
  • Converting campaign funds to personal use.
  • Accepting a bribe, improper gratuity, or impermissible gift.

What did the Committee on Ethics begin reviewing after extensive factfinding in June of 2024?
After extensive factfinding in June of 2024, the Committee on Ethics began reviewing additional allegations including:

  • Dispensing special privileges and favors to whom he had a personal relationship.
  • Obstructing government investigations into his conduct.

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When did Representative Gaetz resign from the House and why?
Representative Gaetz resigned from the House on November 14, 2024 because President-Elect Donald Trump announced his intention to appoint Representative Gaetz as the United States Attorney General.

What did the Committee on Ethics lose as a result of Representative Gaetz's resignation?
As a result of Representative Gaetz's resignation, the Committee on Ethics lost their jurisdiction to continue their investigation.

What did Representative Gaetz subsequently withdraw from?
Representative Gaetz subsequently withdrew from consideration for the position of the United States Attorney General.

Has Representative Gaetz announced any intent to seek higher office or return to Congress?
No, Representative Gaetz hasn't announced any intent to seek higher office or return to Congress.

Does the Committee on Ethics typically release their findings after losing jurisdiction in a matter?
No, the Committee on Ethics typically doesn't release their findings after losing jurisdiction in a matter.

When has the Committee on Ethics released their findings in a few prior instances?
In a few prior instances, the Committee on Ethics has released their findings when it was determined that it would be in the public interest to release them even after a Member's resignation from Congress.

Why were the findings of this report released to the public?
The findings of this report were released to the public because despite objections from several Committee Members, the majority of the Members of the Committee agreed that they should be released.

What are the allegations against Representative Gaetz which this report found substantial evidence for?
The allegations against Representative Gaetz which this report found substantial evidence for are:

  • Regularly paying women for engaging in sexual activity from at least 2017 to 2020.
  • Engaging in sexual activity with a 17-year-old girl in 2017.
  • Using or possessing illegal drugs, including cocaine and ecstasy, on multiple occasions from 2017 to 2019.
  • Accepting gifts, including transportation and lodging in connection with a 2018 trip to the Bahamas, in excess of permissible amounts.
  • Arranging for his Chief of Staff to assist a woman who he had sexual activity with in obtaining a passport by lying to Department of State and saying that she was a constituent in 2018.
  • Knowingly and willfully seeking to impede or obstruct the Committee's investigation of his conduct.
  • Acting in a manner that reflects discreditably upon the House.

What did the Committee conclude that Representative Gaetz violated based on the substantial evidence for each allegation?
Based on the substantial evidence for each allegation, the Committee concluded that Representative Gaetz violated:

  • House Rules.
  • State and federal laws.
  • Other standards of conduct prohibiting prostitution, statutory rape, illicit drug use, acceptance of impermissible gifts, the provision of special favors and privileges, and obstruction of Congress.

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