Gaetz officially resigned from Congress Thursday, a day after Trump nominated him for attorney general.
Topline
Senators on Thursday demanded access to a potentially damning House Ethics Committee report into former Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., despite his resignation from Congress after President-elect Donald Trump announced him Wednesday as his pick for attorney general—information that could hurt Gaetz’s chances of being confirmed for the role.Key Facts
The committee was set to vote Friday on releasing a “highly damaging” report into allegations of misconduct against Gaetz, including whether he engaged in sexual misconduct and illicit drug use, accepted improper gifts, gave special privileges and favors to friends and obstructed a government investigation into his conduct, Punchbowl reported Wednesday, shortly after Trump announced him as his pick for AG, citing anonymous sources.
Gaetz’s abrupt resignation from Congress—made official Thursday—could complicate the process, since the committee does not have jurisdiction over former members of Congress.
Senators, including Dick Durbin, D-Ill., who chairs the Judiciary Committee that will hold a preliminary vote whether to approve Gaetz as AG, and John Cornyn, R-Texas, said Thursday senators should have access to the report as part of the vetting process, despite his resignation.
