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Senator Calls for Senate Access to Ethics Report on Matt Gaetz
Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) expressed strong support on Sunday for the Senate to receive the House Ethics Committee report concerning the allegations of misconduct against former Representative Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.). Gaetz, who recently stepped down from Congress, has been nominated by President-elect Trump for the role of attorney general.
During an appearance on NBC News’s “Meet the Press,” Mullin emphasized the importance of this report in guiding senators’ assessments during Gaetz’s nomination process, stating, “Absolutely, I believe the Senate should have access to that.”
When the conversation turned to whether the report should be made public, Mullin recognized that this would be a point of negotiation, indicating that the content should play a significant role in decision-making.
Mullin was prompted to reflect on past critical remarks he made about Gaetz, referencing a statement where he referred to Gaetz’s behavior and the controversial videos he had presented on the House floor. Although he acknowledged their strained relationship, he asserted that Gaetz deserves a fair evaluation as a nominee.
“There’s no question that Matt Gaetz and I have had our differences, and that’s no secret,” Mullin stated. He reiterated the constitutional responsibility of the Senate to provide advice and consent on nominations, ensuring that Gaetz would undergo the same thorough scrutiny as any other candidate.
“I have to set my personal feelings aside and consider the facts. If he’s qualified, he’s qualified,” he remarked, noting that he was unaware of Gaetz’s legal background until he researched him in preparation for the confirmation process.
Mullin expressed his confidence in Trump’s judgment in selecting candidates, remarking that the president’s track record has proven effective in both business and political appointments. However, he acknowledged that Gaetz’s past actions and the Senate’s constitutional role must be aligned with the vetting process.
The Ethics Committee has been investigating Gaetz for several years on allegations that include sexual misconduct and drug use, with Gaetz maintaining his innocence throughout these claims. The Department of Justice previously investigated accusations involving a minor but did not pursue charges against him.
The committee’s investigation, however, faced an abrupt conclusion when Gaetz resigned from the House after his nomination as attorney general, as the Ethics Committee lacks authority over individuals who are no longer serving in Congress.
It remains uncertain how the Ethics Committee will proceed with the report on Gaetz. Some Republican senators are advocating for the Senate Judiciary Committee to be granted access to the findings to inform their assessment of Gaetz’s nomination.
In contrast, Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) has stated that the Ethics Committee does not possess the authority to release the report due to Gaetz’s status as a former member of the House.
Source
thehill.com