A renewed effort is underway to unveil the findings of the House Ethics Committee's investigation into former Representative Matt Gaetz. Illinois Democrat Sean Casten has introduced a privileged resolution compelling a full House vote on the matter by Thursday. This follows the committee's inconclusive meeting last month regarding the report's release.

The investigation centered around allegations of sexual misconduct and drug use, which Gaetz has consistently denied. It concluded without charges when Gaetz resigned from Congress after being briefly considered for Attorney General under then President-elect Trump. This resignation, however, also halted the Ethics Committee's jurisdiction.

While releasing reports on former members is uncommon, Casten argues that the gravity of the allegations against Gaetz warrants transparency. He emphasizes that resignation shouldn't shield individuals from accountability. House Speaker Mike Johnson has previously expressed opposition to the release, citing the unusual nature of such actions. This marks Casten's second attempt to force a vote on the issue, with his previous resolution expiring over the Thanksgiving recess.

The Thursday deadline coincides with another scheduled Ethics Committee meeting. Representative Susan Wild, the ranking Democrat on the committee, suggested a previous vote on the report's release fell along party lines, highlighting the partisan divide surrounding the issue.