House Ethics Committee revives ‘misconduct’ probe into rep Matt Gaetz
The House Ethics Committee has reportedly revived a probe into Representative Matt Gaetz (R-FL) regarding allegations of misconduct, as investigators have reportedly begun reaching out to witnesses. A witness from Florida told CNN they spoke with investigators recently about alleged “lobbying violations.” Other witnesses have also been contacted by the Ethics Committee, a source close to the matter told CNN. The Ethics Committee investigation is a continuation of their 2021 probe into Mr Gaetz’s alleged “misconduct” while serving as a representative. It is unclear what misconduct the witnesses were interviewed for, though the initial probe regarded sexual misconduct, illicit drug use, misuse of state identification records and bribery. Earlier this year, the Department of Justice (DOJ) declined to charge Mr Gaetz after a sex trafficking investigation that was deferred to them by the Ethics Committee upon request. Last year, an ex-associate of Mr Gaetz, Joel Greenberg, was sentenced to 11 years in prison after pleading guilty to six federal crimes, including sex trafficking of a minor. After the DOJ reached a conclusion, the Ethics Committee restored its own investigation. A spokesperson for Mr Gaetz directed The Independent to comments he made to CNN regarding the investigation. The Florida lawmaker said the investigation is “not something I’m worried about” adding that he’s “focused on the work.” “The Ethics Committee typically operates through leaks and so this is no surprise,” Mr Gaetz said. “But the Ethics Committee has never found me to be in violation of House rules, though they’ve been investigating me during my entire seven years in Congress.” He added: “It’s also funny that the one guy who doesn’t take the corrupt lobbyist and PAC money seems to be under the most Ethics investigation.” The committee’s decision to pursue the investigation by reaching out to witnesses marks the first time investigators have taken steps since the probe was revived. The Ethics Committee is currently led by Rep Michael Guest (R-MS). Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy declined to comment to CNN about the investigation claiming he doesn’t “know anything” regarding the details of it. Read More Gaetz and Boebert vow to force McCarthy into ‘monogamous relationship’ Matt Gaetz associate Joel Greenberg asks court to delay sentencing in trafficking case The debt limit vote signals the beginning of the end for Kevin McCarthy Matt Gaetz takes CPAC victory lap over sex trafficking probe: ‘Vindication looks pretty good on me’
2023-07-14 05:53
Jared Kushner and Hope Hicks have testified in front of grand jury investigating Trump, reports say
Federal prosecutors investigating Donald Trump’s effort to overturn the 2020 election results have questioned his son-in-law, Jared Kushner, among other witnesses to see if the former president acknowledged he had lost. Mr Kushner testified in Washington DC last month, according to a report from The New York Times. During his testimony, the former president’s son-in-law maintained that Mr Trump believed the election was stolen, a source briefed on the matter said. Other people close to Mr Trump, including Alyssa Farah Griffin, the former White House director of strategic communications, and Hope Hicks, the former White House communications director were questioned as well. More follows Read More Zelensky’s Nato tweet infuriated US officials so much they reconsidered, report says Trump 2020 election interference probe hears from Michigan official – live California still has an anti-gay marriage law on the books. Voters could remove it next year
2023-07-14 05:50
Biden admin believes hack gave China insights into US thinking ahead of Blinken's crucial Beijing visit
The Biden administration believes that a Chinese hacking operation which breached US government email systems, including the State Department, gave the Chinese government insights about US thinking heading into Secretary of State Antony Blinken's trip to Beijing in June, according to two US officials.
2023-07-14 05:28
House GOP leaders furiously whip defense bill as passage remains shaky despite concessions
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2023-07-14 05:26
Nearly 5 million kids might miss out on food assistance if these states don't act by Friday
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Jared Kushner testified before grand jury investigating 2020 election interference, source says
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2023-07-14 05:17
Manchin won't back Biden's Labor secretary nominee
Julie Su, President Joe Biden's pick to be the next Labor secretary whose nomination has been stalled for months, now faces opposition from a key Democrat: Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia.
2023-07-14 04:45
Blue states see 'shield laws' as bulwark against Republican efforts to restrict abortion and gender-affirming care
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2023-07-14 03:56
Brett Kavanaugh: Supreme Court is 'government at its finest'
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2023-07-14 03:26
House Ethics Committee reaching out to witnesses in revived Matt Gaetz probe
Investigators from the House Ethics Committee have begun reaching out to witnesses as part of a recently revived investigation into Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida, focused on allegations that he may have engaged in sexual misconduct, illicit drug use or other misconduct.
2023-07-14 02:52
New York court orders congressional map redrawn, but appeal likely
A New York court on Thursday ordered the state's Independent Redistricting Commission to redraw the state's congressional map.
2023-07-14 02:22
5 takeaways from Biden's high-stakes Europe trip
More than 500 days after Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine, the war loomed over President Joe Biden's weeklong, three-stop trip to Europe.
2023-07-14 01:55