In a noteworthy political move, House Speaker Mike Johnson has voiced opposition to releasing the House Ethics Committee's findings on allegations against former Congressman Matt Gaetz.

Johnson's stance casts doubt for some on the transparency of the congressional investigation into Gaetz's alleged misconduct amid his recent nomination to become U.S. attorney general, as The Hill reports.

Representing Louisiana in the lower chamber, Johnson recently stated his concerns over the potential release of an investigative report by the House Ethics Committee.

This report concerns former Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida, who resigned after receiving a nomination from President-elect Donald Trump to helm the Justice Department.

Johnson argues that issuing the report would breach traditional House procedures and harm the institution's integrity. He emphasized that the House does not typically pursue or publish investigations regarding former members, highlighting a crucial aspect of congressional ethics oversight.

Investigation Background and Johnson's Concerns

The House Ethics Committee had been investigating allegations against Gaetz, including sexual misconduct and illicit drug use. However, following Gaetz's resignation, their jurisdiction over him ceased, casting uncertainty over the release of their findings.

Despite the fact that no charges were filed by the Department of Justice against Gaetz, the Ethics Committee's probe has been a topic of bipartisan interest, especially considering Gaetz's pending Cabinet confirmation process. A previously scheduled meeting to discuss the report's release was abruptly canceled following his resignation.

Johnson plans to discuss this issue further with Michael Guest, the chair of the House Ethics Committee from Mississippi, in hopes of influencing the committee's final decision on the matter.

Historical Precedents and Political Implications

Historically, there has been at least one instance, in 1987, where the Ethics Committee released a report on William Boner after his resignation, which Johnson cites as an anomaly that should not set a precedent.

Former Speaker Kevin McCarthy suggested that his lack of involvement in the Ethics investigation might have contributed to his political fallout with Gaetz.

This remark adds a layer of political complexity to the current situation, intertwining it with past House leadership conflicts.

Senators from both major parties have expressed a keen interest in the Ethics Committee's findings, viewing the report as potentially critical to their decision-making regarding Gaetz's confirmation as attorney general.

Speaker Johnson's Statements Highlight Tensions

"I do not, no," Johnson flatly responded to reporters from CNN and Politico when asked about whether he wants the release of the Ethics Committee's findings, adding that it would be a "terrible breach of protocol and tradition."

"I’m going to strongly request the Ethics Committee not issue the report, because that is not how we do things in the House and I think that would be a terrible precedent to set," Johnson elaborated during the discussions.

Further complicating matters, Johnson's remarks at a recent gala event at Mar-a-Lago indicate his direct communications with President-elect Trump, though he remains tight-lipped about the specifics of their conversation.

Broader Implications for Congressional Ethics

"If someone is no longer a member of Congress, we’re not in the business of investigating and publishing a report of people who are not in this institution," Johnson stated, emphasizing the traditional approach of the House concerning former members.

He also mentioned that releasing such a report could "open a Pandora’s box" of potential issues, indicating a deep concern about the implications of such an action on the House's procedural traditions.

The scheduling and decision-making process regarding the Ethics Committee's report remains "very fluid," with insiders suggesting that the dynamics are continually evolving.