This May Be The Beginning Of The End For Matt Gaetz

Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) is now under investigation for drug use, sexual misconduct, accepting improper gifts, and obstructing an investigation.

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A New Investigation Into Rep. Matt Gaetz Has Been Confirmed

Do you remember how it looked like Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) got away will sex trafficking allegations when the DOJ didn’t charge the Florida congressman due to problems with the credibility of witnesses?

Do you also remember how Gaetz seemed to be on a quest to get rid of former Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy at any cost?

It looks looks like Gaetz might not get away with the many misdeeds that he allegedly committed after all.

Max Cohen of Punchbowl News posted:

Ethics Cmte says it's reviewing allegations that Matt Gaetz may have "engaged in sexual misconduct and illicit drug use"

"accepted improper gifts"

"dispensed special privileges and favors to individuals with whom he had a personal relationship"

and obstructed investigation

At this point, you might be thinking that a House Ethics Committee investigation is no big deal. Gaetz already avoided federal criminal charges, so why should he worry about the Ethics Committee.

The Ethics Committee is not your garden variety congressional committee.

The main difference is that the House Ethics Committee is by design bipartisan. Membership of the committee is split evenly between Democrats and Republicans. There is no Republican majority on the Ethics Committee. The committee is also non-partisan. Members are chosen to sit on the committee for their ability to work together and be non-partisan. This is why none of the highly partisan members of the House are on the committee.

Here are some of the duties of the Ethics Committee:

A) Recommend administrative actions to establish or enforce standards of official conduct.

B) Investigate alleged violations of the Code of Official Conduct or of any applicable rules, laws, or regulations governing the performance of official duties or the discharge of official responsibilities. Such investigations must be made in accordance with Committee rules .

C) Report to appropriate federal or state authorities substantial evidence of a violation of any law applicable to the performance of official duties that may have been disclosed in a Committee investigation. Such reports must be approved by the House or by an affirmative vote of two-thirds of the Committee.

D) Render advisory opinions regarding the propriety of any current or proposed conduct of a Member, officer, or employee, and issue general guidance on such matters as necessary.

E) Consider requests for written waivers of the gift rule (clause 5 of House Rule XXV)
 

The Ethics Committee issues public reports and refers members for punishment within the House, which can include expulsion. The committee, by law, must report criminal activity they uncover to law enforcement.

What the committee is investigating Gaetz for suggests criminal activity and corruption.