The House Ethics Committee report on alleged misconduct by now former Rep. Matt Gaetz is set to be released after an uncommon reversal by its members, CNN reported on Wednesday.
The panel had voted along party lines to shelve the report after Gaetz resigned from his post following his ultimately failed nomination to be President-elect Donald Trump's next Attorney General.
The outlet noted that is extremely rare for such reports to be released, but there is precedent. Gaetz stands accused of sexual misconduct, using illegal drugs, using campaign funds for personal use and accepting bribes, among several other allegations. He has fiercely denied all accusations.
Several details allegedly included in the probe were leaked and made public as Gaetz continued to fight to keep his nomination alive. Among them are allegations that he had two sexual encounters with a 17-year-old, one of them also including an adult woman.
All five Republicans in the committee initially voted to withhold the publication of the years-long investigation as the party closed ranks behind him and House Speaker Mike Johnson said he would "strongly request" it be shelved after his resignation.
However, sources quoted by CNN said the committee secretly voted to release the report earlier this month. It is still unclear how many Republicans changed their votes and who, but the investigation is now set to be made public as lawmakers leave Washington D.C. for the holidays.
Gaetz said he is not planning on returning to Congress after his failed nomination, and is set to become a news anchor for One America News network. He has also joined the Cameo app, offering 'Pep Talks' for $250. In addition to "send a pep talk," Cameo lists "ask a question," "get advice" and "roast someone," under "reasons to get a video."
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