WASHINGTON - Congressman Steve Cohen, a senior member of the Judiciary Committee and a former member of the Ethics Committee, today welcomed press reports that the Ethics Committee has voted to release its report on its investigation of alleged misconduct by former Florida Congressman Matt Gaetz.

Congressman Cohen introduced two privileged resolutions seeking public release of the report and preservation of related documents on November 20 and December 3. In a parliamentary procedure aimed at burying the Committee's findings, the Congressman's second resolution was referred to the Ethics Committee on December 5. The Ethics Committee operates in confidence, and it is unclear when the Committee reportedly agreed to release the report.

Congressman Cohen made the following statement:

"I am encouraged that some on the Ethics Committee understand that the credibility and dignity of the House itself is at stake. The Committee spent years reviewing accusations of Gaetz engaging in sexual misconduct, using illicit drugs, sharing inappropriate images or videos on the House floor, misusing state identification records, converting campaign funds to personal use, and accepting a 'bribe, improper gratuity, or impermissible gifts.' This is some of the most serious misconduct the Committee has ever addressed.

"The public needs this report. Gaetz himself called this process a 'witch hunt' and impugned the integrity of the House and the Ethics Committee. I'm confident the Committee's seriousness, professionalism, and integrity will come through when the public sees the final report.

"I also believe this report will be instructive for Members of Congress and the public. This is an opportunity to explain what unethical and unlawful conduct looks like.

"The light of day, the best disinfectant, will now show who President-elect Trump wanted to be his Attorney General, and the character of a man who is likely to play an important role in a second Trump Administration."

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