### GOP Senators Withhold Support for Trump's Attorney General Pick Amid Ethics Concerns

Key Senate Republicans are hesitating to back President-elect Donald Trump's choice of Matt Gaetz for attorney general. This comes as Democrats and at least one prominent Republican senator demand the release of an ethics report on the former congressman.

Senator John Cornyn, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, asserted that he "absolutely" wants access to the House Ethics Committee's findings on Gaetz. "There should not be any limitations on the Senate Judiciary Committee's investigation, including whatever the House Ethics Committee has generated," Cornyn emphasized.

A highly anticipated report from the ethics panel was expected as soon as Friday. However, Gaetz resigned from Congress following Trump's announcement of his nomination, putting the release of the report in jeopardy. Gaetz has consistently denied any wrongdoing.

The ethics committee plans to discuss the report's fate in a Friday morning meeting. Gaetz's nomination could ignite a significant clash between Trump and the new Senate GOP majority, as Trump has vowed to get his nominees installed.

Senator John Thune, the incoming Senate majority leader, faces an early test with this controversial nomination. With Republicans potentially holding 53 seats, he can afford only three defections. Trump has hinted at considering recess appointments to bypass the usual Senate confirmation process, a move that has caused unease among some GOP senators.

Senator James Lankford voiced that using recess appointments would illustrate that "the Senate is not doing their work." Highlighting the importance of Congressional responsibilities, Lankford stated, "The Senate should be here, doing its tasks." Meanwhile, Cornyn remarked that it is too early to discuss recess appointments, even though he had previously been open to the idea to overcome Democratic opposition.

Senator Rick Scott has shown support for Trump's nomination of Gaetz and expressed approval for recess appointments. On the other hand, Senate Judiciary Chairman Dick Durbin and other key Senate Democrats have urged the release of the ethics findings.

Thune has yet to decide on whether the Senate should seek the ethics report on Gaetz, and Senator Chuck Grassley pointed out that the professional staff on Judiciary would conduct a thorough vetting. Prominent Republicans on the Senate Judiciary Committee, like Senators Lindsey Graham and Thom Tillis, are cautious to keep their options open.

Addressing Gaetz's potential confirmation, Cornyn stated, "We have a process around here for considering presidential nominees," insisting that the constitutional responsibilities of the Senate would be followed.

Should Republicans decide to push forward with recess appointments, Democrats have limited tools to oppose. Together, both houses of Congress can pass a concurrent adjournment resolution to facilitate such appointments, which only requires a simple majority. However, Democrats could attempt to delay the process using a vote-a-rama-style amendment approach, albeit temporarily.

The outcome remains uncertain, as multiple sources indicate it is too early to determine how Democrats might react if Thune proceeds with this contentious tactic.