The House Ethics Committee is currently investigating allegations surrounding Florida Representative Matt Gaetz, including whether he has used illegal drugs during his time in Congress. This investigation adds to the existing list of allegations being examined by the committee.
According to ABC News, the staffers of the House panel, which consists of both Democrats and Republicans, have been probing into whether Mr. Gaetz was under the influence of illegal substances during the parties he attended after starting his first term in January 2017.
According to multiple sources familiar with the matter, the report reveals that the panel acquired a sworn written statement from a female witness who detailed her observations at a party in the Sunshine State where the congressman was in attendance.
The statement also provides details about the drugs that were present at the party, such as cocaine and ecstasy. It also mentions that a 17-year-old woman, who had been the subject of a Department of Justice investigation, was in attendance. The investigation focused on whether Mr. Gaetz had engaged in sexual contact with her when she was underage.
According to an insider, the statement in question was not originally intended for the ethics panel and it does not primarily focus on Mr. Gaetz. Furthermore, it does not provide any information regarding whether Mr. Gaetz engaged in sexual activities with the individual who was a minor at the time.
Mr. Gaetz strenuously denies any wrongdoing and, in 2023, he was informed that he would not be facing any criminal charges as a result of the ongoing investigation.
The House panel is currently investigating the allegations against the Florida firebrand. Depending on the outcome of the investigation, they may recommend censuring or expelling the individual from the House.
Mr. Gaetz’s alleged push to remove then-House Speaker Kevin McCarthy last year is said to be linked to the ongoing House investigation.
According to CBS News, Mr McCarthy revealed last month that Mr Gaetz initiated the motion to remove the speakership after he refused to halt the long-dormant ethics investigation. The investigation gained momentum following the closure of the Justice Department probe.
“He came to me, urging me to engage in illegal activities to halt the Ethics Committee’s investigation, which had already commenced prior to my assuming the role of speaker,” he stated.
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