Amid significant political upheaval and controversy, Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) has abruptly resigned from his congressional seat to accept a nomination as attorney general from President-elect Donald Trump.

Gaetz's resignation, following his nomination for attorney general, effectively ends an ongoing House ethics investigation in which he was entangled, something which has raised eyebrows among some congressional colleagues, as the Daily Mail reports.

Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) formally announced Gaetz's immediate resignation from Congress. This move strategically aims to expedite the process of filling the vacated seat, which is crucial for maintaining the GOP's slim majority in the House.

The resignation also effectively puts an end to the House Ethics Committee's probe into allegations of sexual misconduct and other supposed misdeeds by Gaetz.

According to the committee's chair, Michael Guest, their jurisdiction ends once Gaetz ceases to be a member of Congress.

Guest elaborated on the procedural nuances, stating, "Once a member is no longer a member of Congress, then Ethics has no jurisdiction. So, if Matt Gaetz were to be appointed as the attorney general, the Ethics investigation that is currently ongoing would cease at that point."

Resignation Impacts House Ethics Committee Operations

Although the investigation will no longer continue, there is a precedent for the Ethics Committee to still release its findings on Gaetz.

However, with the House in recess since summer, a vote on this matter was delayed and is now uncertain.

During its last session, the committee had scheduled a vote to potentially release a report on the allegations against Gaetz. The report includes charges of engaging in a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old individual, which Gaetz has denied.

The uncertainty surrounding the release of this report adds to the tension, especially with the Department of Justice previously investigating but not charging Gaetz with any crime.

Political Reactions and Senate Confirmation Uncertainties

As Gaetz awaits Senate confirmation, his colleagues, including Rep. Max Miller (R-OH), have expressed keen interest in the revelations from the Ethics Committee's findings.

Miller noted, "It’s going to be very interesting to see what comes out. And a lot of us are excited to see what comes out because it’s possible they could be used in a very good manner."

The possibility of Senate confirmation remains clouded with skepticism from some senators, casting doubt over Gaetz's appointment as attorney general.

Addressing the urgency of the resignation, Speaker Johnson shared, "I think, out of deference to us, he issued his resignation letter effective immediately, of Congress."

Special Election Plans and Timelines

Following Gaetz's resignation, Speaker Johnson was quick to contact Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis regarding the timing for a special election.

Johnson aims to ensure Gaetz's replacement is elected and ready by the swearing-in of the new Congress on Jan. 3.

"I’ve already placed a call to Gov. DeSantis in Florida and said let’s start the clock. He’s in Italy at the moment and so we’re gonna talk first thing in the morning about this. And if we start the clock now, if you do the math we may be able to fill that seat as early as Jan. 3 when we take the new oath of office for the new Congress," Johnson explained.

This strategy underscores the importance of timing in political maneuvers, especially when the balance of power in the House is at stake.