House Ethics Committee Loses Jurisdiction Over Matt Gaetz

Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., one of House Speaker Kevin McCarthy's harshest critics, leaves the chamber after speaking on the floor, at the Capitol in Washington, Monday, Oct. 2, 2023. Gaetz has said he p

Former Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., has resigned from his position after being selected by President-elect Donald Trump to serve as attorney general. As a result, the House Ethics Committee no longer has jurisdiction over Gaetz, halting the release of its report on allegations of sexual misconduct and drug use.

House Ethics Committee Chairman Michael Guest, R-Miss., explained that once a member resigns to take on a new role, such as Gaetz becoming attorney general, the committee loses jurisdiction over them. This is a common practice for the Ethics Committee when dealing with former members.