House Republicans shot down a Democratic-led effort to release a long-awaited Ethics Committee report on allegations against former GOP Representative Matt Gaetz of Florida.
Democrats pushed for the findings to be published despite Gaetz leaving Congress and stepping aside as United States President-elect Donald Trump's choice for attorney general. Republicans responded by voting to return the matter to the Ethics Committee, blocking the report's release for now.
Shortly before the floor vote, the House Ethics Committee met to discuss the matter behind closed doors. "The Committee met today to discuss the matter of Representative Matt Gaetz. The Committee is continuing to discuss the matter. There will be no further statements other than in accordance with Committee and House Rules," the panel said.
