U.S. House Report: Matt Gaetz Spent Thousands on Drugs and Sex Services

American media reports that the House Ethics and Disciplinary Committee has concluded its investigation, finding that Matt Gaetz, a former representative from Florida, spent tens of thousands of dollars on drugs and sex services, including sexual relations with a 17-year-old girl. Gaetz, who has denied all allegations, resigned from the House of Representatives last month after being nominated by Donald Trump, the President-elect of the United States, for Attorney General. Following multiple reports about his high likelihood of not receiving Senate confirmation due to his moral misconduct, he withdrew from the Attorney General nomination in early December, and Trump introduced Pamela (Pam) Bondi as his new choice. To prevent the release of the House Ethics and Disciplinary Committee report on Monday, December 24, Gaetz filed a lawsuit in federal court in Washington, arguing that the House lacks legal authority to comment on former members of the institution. The report from the House Ethics and Disciplinary Committee, excerpts of which have been published in the media, indicates that Gaetz paid over $90,000 to 12 women, likely for drugs and sexual relations. According to CBS and CNN news networks, Gaetz's behavior violates Florida state laws. The report states that in 2017, Gaetz had sexual relations twice with a 17-year-old girl referred to as 'Victim A' at a party. The report adds: 'Victim A received $400 in cash from the former congressman that night, which she believes was payment for sex. She claims she did not disclose her age to Gaetz, and he did not ask about it.' The FBI investigated the former congressman for about three years regarding potential legal violations but ultimately found no evidence to support a charge of 'sex trafficking' against Gaetz. The House Ethics and Disciplinary Committee report also notes that it did not find sufficient evidence to prove this crime, and all women who testified stated that their sexual relations with the former congressman were consensual. Only one woman stated, 'Drug use at parties may have affected my ability to make decisions about what was happening.' This woman further testified, 'When I reflect on some moments, I feel like I was assaulted.' According to CBS news, the House Ethics and Disciplinary Committee reminds in its report that Gaetz violated the institution's regulations and other disciplinary and ethical standards, including the prohibition of purchasing sex services, drug use, and actions that may be considered assault under the law. Additionally, the report accuses Gaetz, who served three terms in the House, of receiving gifts exceeding the set limit during a trip to the Bahamas in 2018.