Senate split over release of House investigation report on attorney general nominee Matt Gaetz
President-elect Donald Trump is doubling down on his attorney general pick, former Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz, pressuring Republicans to unify and confirm him.
Gaetz, who was under investigation by the House Ethics Committee for allegations of having sex with a 17-year-old and illicit drug use, resigned from the House last week. His withdrawal effectively ended the Committee's investigation but has stirred debate on whether its findings should be released. Gaetz denies all allegations.
Some Republicans say they are willing to hear Gaetz out.
"I've already talked to him," Sen. Josh Hawley, (R) Missouri said. "He wants a shot to be able to lay out his vision for the department and also to respond to these various allegations."
"I'm going to hold my folks to the same standard I would hold Democrat nominees," Sen. Thom Tillis, (R) North Carolina said.
The House Ethics Committee will meet privately Wednesday and may consider its findings on Gaetz. But a looming question remains: what information will Senators be willing to consider?
House leadership remains strongly against releasing the report about the now-former congressman. Others argue the findings could be pivotal in confirming him.
"I really think they should have a chance to look at the evidence and make a decision for themselves," Rep. Glenn Ivey, (D) Maryland said.
"I think we should have all that information out there whether it exonerates him or that it shows guilt. Either way, the senators deserve to know," Rep. Don Bacon, (R) Nebraska said.
An attorney involved in a civil case against Gaetz says an unauthorized person accessed confidential testimony, including an alleged victim. The file has not been made public.
