Several Republican senators have given a lukewarm welcome to President-elect Donald Trump’s selection of Matt Gaetz as U.S. attorney general, raising questions about the former Florida congressman’s chances of being confirmed by the Senate. .
Wednesday’s sudden announcement and Gaetz’s swift resignation from Congress also drew attention to the House Ethics Committee’s investigation into allegations that Gaetz engaged in sexual misconduct, illegal drug use and other misconduct. .
Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas), the Republican on the Judiciary Committee that will decide whether to advance Gaetz’s nomination to the full Senate, said Thursday morning that he “absolutely” wants to see the Ethics Committee’s final report. Ta.
“I don’t think there should be any limitations on the Senate Judiciary Committee’s investigation, including the opinion of the House Ethics Committee,” Cornyn told reporters at the Capitol.
He added that it was “too early to count the votes” but “there are many questions”.
Gaetz was previously embroiled in a federal investigation into whether he was involved in the sex trafficking of 17-year-old girls. The investigation, which ended without charges being filed last year, was conducted by the Justice Department. If Gaetz is confirmed as attorney general, he will lead the agency.
Mr. Gaetz denies all charges against him. In September, he announced his intention to stop cooperating with a House committee, releasing a letter in which he strongly denied having “sexual activity with individuals under the age of 18.”
On Thursday, a lawyer for a woman who claims she had a sexual relationship with Gates when she was a minor said the Ethics Commission should release its report.
John Clune, a partner at Hutchinson, Black & Cooke, said of I support the immediate release of the report.”
“She was a high school student and there were witnesses,” the attorney added.
Gates’ lawyer did not immediately respond to CNBC’s request for comment.
Calls for the commission to release its report have become even more urgent given the unusual series of events surrounding President Trump’s announcement.
Mr. Gaetz’s sudden decision to resign from Congress came on the same day that Mr. Trump selected him, and just two days before the committee was scheduled to vote on releasing its report on the sex and drug investigation. punch bowl news This was reported on Wednesday, citing people involved.
Gates’ resignation Effectively ended This is because the Ethics Committee’s investigation is limited to members of the House of Representatives.
Chairman Michael Guest (R-Mississippi) told reporters Wednesday that if Gaetz resigns to seek the attorney general position, “at that point the Ethics Commission will lose its jurisdiction.”
The ethics committee was scheduled to meet behind closed doors on Thursday, a person familiar with the situation told NBC. It was unclear whether the committee would discuss Gates at its secret meeting or vote on the report.
On Wednesday, several Senate Republicans expressed confusion and skepticism about Gaetz’s selection to lead the Justice Department.
Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) said she was “shocked” by the decision and predicted “a lot of questions will be asked” if the nomination moves forward.
Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) said she did not believe Gaetz would be “a serious nominee for attorney general.”
Sen. Thom Tillis, RN.C., another member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, said, “I’m focused on counting the votes, but maybe he has some work to do.” I would think so.”
“He deserves his job,” Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) said of Gaetz’s nomination.
But others seemed ready to support Gates’ proposal.
Sen. Lindsey Graham (South Carolina), the top Republican on the Judiciary Committee, said in a press release Thursday afternoon, “Generally speaking, I support confirmation regardless of partisan or personal feelings. I vote because that’s my constitutional role as a senator.”
“I will do the same for President Trump’s nominees,” Graham said in an emailed statement with the subject line “Elections Have Consequences.”
“I have no problem with it. I want to see President Trump’s cabinet appointed quickly,” Sen. Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.) said Thursday on MSNBC’s “The Andrea Mitchell Report.” said.
“There is no one better than Matt Gaetz to convey the American people’s dissatisfaction with the weaponization of the Justice Department,” Hagerty said.
When Republicans took control of the Senate in January, they minority 2 or 3 seats. Assuming all Senate Democrats vote against Gaetz’s nomination, Trump could afford to defect from the Republican Party several times before losing the simple majority needed to confirm his choice for attorney general.
President Trump has asked incoming Senate Republican leaders to agree to send senators home for at least 10 days, paving the way for “recess appointments” that could completely avoid cabinet appointments and individual confirmation votes. .
Sen. John Thune (R.S.D.) said this after being elected as majority leader to replace retiring Sen. Mitch McConnell. said on wednesday Republicans said they would “consider all options” to allow Trump’s nominee to move forward quickly.
