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In a recent Newsmax appearance, Rep. Carlos Gimenez (R-Fla.) expressed his views on sharing the House Ethics Committee’s report on former Rep. Matt Gaetz with the Senate. This comes after the committee failed to reach a consensus on releasing the report concerning allegations of sexual trafficking and misconduct against Gaetz.
Republican Rep. Carlos Gimenez tells @brikeilarcnn if the Senate formally requests the Gaetz ethics report, the House Ethics Committee "should release it."
Gimenez says "whatever comes out of the report, I have confidence that it was done in a fair, bipartisan manner…" pic.twitter.com/gRydEu9IHd
— CNN News Central (@NewsCentralCNN) November 20, 2024
During his “Newsline” interview, Gimenez acknowledged the president’s constitutional right to select nominees, including Gaetz for attorney general. He emphasized the Senate’s responsibility in the confirmation process, stating that they should receive necessary materials to fulfill their duties.
“The president has every right to pick whoever he wants to pick, and Matt Gaetz is his choice for attorney general, and he should be given some kind of deference,” Gimenez stated.
He continued by saying, “the Constitution calls for the U.S. Senate to deliberate and then affirm or reject that nomination. The Senate has a duty to perform, and so I’m sure that the Senate will perform their duties.”
Republican Maine Senator Susan Collins calls for an “extensive” investigation into Matt Gaetz, says she was “shocked” when he was nominated.
This is the same woman who voted against Amy Coney Barrett, but for Kentaji Brown Jackson. pic.twitter.com/flzPv7ZXCz
— johnny maga (@_johnnymaga) November 21, 2024
Supporting transparency in the process, Gimenez advocated for providing the Senate with the Ethics Committee’s report if requested, suggesting the House shouldn’t obstruct access to relevant information. He maintained that they should “Let the chips fall where they may” regarding the nomination process, despite its tumultuous nature.
While acknowledging Gaetz’s intelligence and potential to bring change to the Department of Justice, Gimenez didn’t shy away from expressing his personal reservations. He particularly criticized Gaetz’s role in former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy’s removal, describing it as disruptive to House operations.
