Dem
51
GOP
49
Usually, the House Committee on Ethics keeps things pretty close to the vest, until they've reached their final conclusions. Heck, even then, they sometimes don't say much. So it's certainly interesting that the Committee issued a statement yesterday detailing its ongoing investigation into Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL). Here's the key passage:
On April 9, 2021, the Committee announced it had initiated a review into allegations that Representative Matt Gaetz may have engaged in sexual misconduct and/or illicit drug use, shared inappropriate images or videos on the House floor, misused state identification records, converted campaign funds to personal use, and/or accepted a bribe, improper gratuity, or impermissible gift, in violation of House Rules, laws, or other standards of conduct. The Committee deferred its consideration of the matter in response to a request from the Department of Justice (DOJ). In May 2023, the Committee reauthorized its investigation after DOJ withdrew its deferral request.
There has been a significant and unusual amount of public reporting on the Committee's activities this Congress. Much of that reporting has been inaccurate. The Committee's investigations are conducted confidentially, but the Committee's confidentiality rules do not prohibit witnesses from disclosing information about the Committee's requests or conversations with Committee investigators. The Committee is confident in the integrity of its process.
Representative Gaetz has categorically denied all of the allegations before the Committee. Notwithstanding the difficulty in obtaining relevant information from Representative Gaetz and others, the Committee has spoken with more than a dozen witnesses, issued 25 subpoenas, and reviewed thousands of pages of documents in this matter. Based on its review to date, the Committee has determined that certain of the allegations merit continued review. During the course of its investigation, the Committee has also identified additional allegations that merit review.
As you can see, the members of the Committee felt that it was necessary to say something publicly because of inaccurate information that is circulating. The release also said that there will be no further public comment until the investigation of Gaetz is complete.
Without knowing what the Committee knows, it's obviously impossible to guess what happens next. However, we can say three things. First, there have only been three members expelled since the Civil War. The first two of those were expelled after being convicted of crimes, but the third was "George Santos," who was tossed out on his ear before going through the legal process. So, it's not impossible that the most serious punishment is on the table here. Second, Gaetz is very unpopular with his colleagues, very possibly because he's a world-class jerk and a sleazeball. So, the votes of two-thirds of the House needed to eject him might just be there, depending on what the Committee finds. Third, Gaetz would probably welcome being expelled. He's quitting at some point, probably in 2025, to run for governor of Florida. This would just speed up that process, and let him do the martyr bit while he campaigns.
In any case, there is a possible near-future where the House has no Matt Gaetz and no Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-CO). We suspect that something like 90% of the members would welcome that future gladly. Though now that we think about it, maybe that number's a little low. (Z)