GTR Times

Pursuant to Committee Rule 7, the Committee on Ethics (Committee) determined to release the following statement:

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 allegations merit continued review. During its investigation course, additional allegations were identified that also merit review.

Accordingly, under Rules 14(a)(3) and 18(a), the Committee is reviewing allegations that Representative Gaetz may have engaged in sexual misconduct and illicit drug use; accepted improper gifts; dispensed special privileges and favors to individuals with whom he had a personal relationship; and sought to obstruct government investigations into his conduct. No further action will be taken at this time regarding allegations that he may have shared inappropriate images or videos on the House floor; misused state identification records; converted campaign funds for personal use; or accepted a bribe or improper gratuity.

The mere fact of an investigation into these allegations does not itself indicate any violation has occurred. No other public comment will be made on this matter except per Committee rules.

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