### House Speaker Urges Cancellation of Ethics Report on Matt Gaetz, Citing Inappropriateness

House Speaker Mike Johnson expressed strong reservations on Sunday regarding the ongoing House Ethics Committee investigation into former Representative Matt Gaetz. During an appearance on CNN's "State of the Union," Johnson stated that the committee's report, which is still in draft form, should not be released, especially given Gaetz's recent resignation from Congress.

"My understanding is that the report is not finished. It's in a rough draft form. Was not yet ready to be released, and since Matt Gaetz left the Congress, I don't think it's appropriate to do so," Johnson said. The Republican from Louisiana emphasized that initiating further action would open a "Pandora's box" and misappropriate the committee's extensive resources against private citizens.

The Ethics Committee was investigating Gaetz over allegations of sexual misconduct and drug use, among other claims. Gaetz resigned abruptly just days before the committee was scheduled to vote on releasing its findings, effectively halting their probe since their jurisdiction does not extend to private individuals.

Johnson's remarks come amid calls from some quarters for the release of the report. The attorney representing a woman who alleged having a minor sexual relationship with Gaetz has argued that the committee's findings should be made public. However, Johnson maintains that the Senate should conduct its own review during Gaetz's confirmation process as President-elect Donald Trump's pick for U.S. Attorney General, rather than relying on the incomplete Ethics Committee report.

Meanwhile, Sen. Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma weighed in on the situation, stating on NBC's "Meet the Press" that the report should be released to help the Senate in their vetting process.

Gaetz has previously faced a federal investigation by the Department of Justice for possible involvement in the sex trafficking of a minor. Although no charges were filed, the allegations continue to shadow his political career. Recently, an attorney claimed that his client witnessed Gaetz engaging in sexual activities with a minor in 2017, which Gaetz has vehemently denied.

The debate over releasing the report from the House Ethics Committee remains contentious, particularly as Gaetz awaits further scrutiny from the Senate during his confirmation.