### House Ethics Committee Divided Over Gaetz Investigation Report Release

In a move aligning with GOP leadership, Republican members of the House Ethics Committee have voted against releasing the findings of their investigation into Donald Trump's attorney general nominee, Matt Gaetz. This decision has sparked considerable tension, as many Senate Republicans push for transparency before Gaetz’s confirmation hearing. The committee’s vote, defying the wishes of Democrat members, casts uncertainty on the future of the sensitive information already gathered.

Despite this setback, the committee intends to reconvene in December, according to insiders. Members are expected to finalize their report by then. However, with Congress nearing its session's end, the delay has magnified the pressure on the Republicans. Democrats, meanwhile, are strategizing to force the report's release. Representative Sean Casten, an ally of House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, announced plans to bring forward a privileged resolution aimed at making the report public. Similarly, Representative Steve Cohen attempted to do the same through a floor vote.

Any House member can present a privileged resolution to release the ethics report by arguing its relevance to the House's "dignity and integrity." Yet, such a measure must clear stringent procedural requirements to make it to the floor. Whether Cohen’s draft resolution will pass these standards remains uncertain. Should it succeed, Speaker Mike Johnson would be obligated to bring it up for consideration within two legislative days. However, Democrats privately believe Republicans will ultimately block this effort.

As it stands, the Ethics Committee will press on with completing its report. Chairman Representative Michael Guest acknowledged the report is still unfinished, despite the investigation’s completion. This status was hotly debated during a recent two-hour panel meeting. Representative Susan Wild, the committee's leading Democrat, emphasized her party's opposition to the GOP's decision not to release the report, criticizing Guest's portrayal of the meeting as misleading.

Wild clarified that the committee had not reached a consensus on withholding the report. "I do not want the American public or anyone else to think Mr. Guest's characterization of what transpired today would be some sort of indication that the committee had unanimity or consensus on this issue not to release the report," she told reporters. Wild also noted the committee will reconvene on December 5 to continue deliberations on the matter.