### House Speaker Seeks to Block Ethics Report on Gaetz Amid AG Nomination Controversy

House Speaker Mike Johnson announced on Friday his firm intention to urge the House Ethics Committee to refrain from disclosing the findings of its investigation into former Rep. Matt Gaetz. This comes as Gaetz, recently nominated by President-elect Donald Trump for the position of attorney general, faces increased scrutiny.

Johnson's move is highly unusual as the Ethics Committee traditionally operates without interference. His request adds to the escalating tension on Capitol Hill regarding Gaetz's suitability for the nation's top law enforcement post. "I'm going to strongly request that the Ethics Committee not issue the report, because that is not the way we do things in the House," Johnson conveyed to reporters at the U.S. Capitol. "And I think that would be a terrible precedent to set."

Releasing ethics reports post-resignation is rare, but Johnson's recent statements mark a significant shift from his previous stance, where he had adopted a hands-off approach. "The Speaker of the House is not involved in that and can't be involved in that," he had stated earlier regarding the Ethics Committee.

The bipartisan Ethics Committee is in a delicate position as it contemplates the conclusion of its years-long probe into allegations of sexual misconduct and other charges against Gaetz. Gaetz stepped down from Congress on Wednesday following Trump’s announcement of his nomination. Standard procedures dictate the termination of Ethics Committee investigations when a member departs due to jurisdictional limitations. However, Gaetz’s future role in Trump’s cabinet places this case in an exceptional context, prompting calls from senators for full disclosure of the report.

"The sequence and timing of Mr. Gaetz's resignation from the House raises serious questions about the contents of the House Ethics Committee report," stated Sen. Dick Durbin, chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, advocating for transparency. Gaetz has consistently denied any wrongdoing, mentioning that a separate Justice Department investigation into sex trafficking allegations involving minors concluded without federal charges.

Johnson maintains that former members fall outside the Ethics Committee's jurisdiction, but bipartisan voices within the Judiciary Committee argue for the necessity of reviewing the report. "I think it's going to be material in the proceedings," commented Sen. Thomas Tillis.

Meanwhile, Sen. John Cornyn emphasized that the Senate Judiciary Committee's investigation should not be restricted by withholding the House Ethics Committee's findings. The Ethics Committee chairman, Rep. Michael Guest, acknowledged uncertainty on whether the report could be shared with the Senate, highlighting the need for further review and collective decision-making within the committee.

As Trump’s nominated attorney general, Gaetz could oversee significant changes within the Justice Department, an institution Trump has frequently criticized. The controversy over Gaetz’s nomination adds another layer to the politically charged atmosphere surrounding Trump's plans if he returns to the White House.