Senate Judiciary Republican ‘absolutely’ wants to see Ethics report on Gaetz
Republican Sen. John Cornyn (Texas), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, said he “absolutely” wants to see the House Ethics Committee’s report on former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) after his nomination for attorney general.
“I think that there should not be any limitations on the Senate Judiciary Committee’s investigation including whatever the House Ethics Committee has generated,” Cornyn told reporters Thursday.
ABC’s Rachel Scott asked the senator if he wants to see the report created by the House Ethics Committee, which was investigating whether Gaetz engaged in sexual misconduct and illicit drug use, among other allegations.
“Absolutely,” Cornyn responded.
President-elect Trump’s surprise announcement Wednesday left Capitol Hill reeling. Gaetz resigned from his position in Congress following the announcement.
Since the announcement, calls to see the report have been growing.
Although the committee’s investigation ended since Gaetz resigned from Congress, the panel could still vote to release its report. Before the announcement and Gaetz’s resignation, the committee was set to meet Friday to vote on whether to release its findings.
Cornyn argued Thursday the Senate Judiciary Committee deserves to see the report.
Trump’s pick of Gaetz sent shock waves through Washington, both for Republican and Democratic lawmakers. A source in the room where House Republicans were waiting to start leadership elections said there were audible gasps when the announcement was made, and a number of GOP senators expressed bewilderment.
Some Republicans have said they will not support Gaetz’s nomination, while Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) urged Republicans to “give Matt a chance.”