Democrats on the Senate Judiciary Committee are seeking access to materials collected by the Justice Department during its investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct and other crimes against former Rep. Matt Gaetz. The department decided not to charge Gaetz, but the review of the allegations was also relevant to a probe by the House Ethics committee.
In a letter to FBI director Chris Wray, Democrats led by Judiciary Chair Dick Durbin requested the criminal investigation's complete evidentiary file, including formal notes from FBI interviews of witnesses. The Democrats emphasized the Senate's constitutional duty to provide advice and consent on presidential nominees, highlighting the importance of reviewing all relevant information before considering Gaetz's nomination as Attorney General.
Following a previous request by Senate Democrats for the House Ethics committee to release its report and evidence, the committee is set to discuss the report in a meeting. The new request to the FBI underscores the serious nature of the allegations against Gaetz and their potential impact on his suitability for the role of chief law enforcement officer.
Gaetz has denied the allegations investigated by both the Justice Department and the committee, including the accusation of engaging in sexual activity with a minor in 2017. A spokesperson for Gaetz pointed out that the Justice Department cleared him and did not bring charges.
While the Justice Department typically does not provide access to investigatory materials, the Democratic letter referenced past instances where records from other investigations, such as the Hillary Clinton email probe, were shared with lawmakers.
