Congressman Cohen Welcomes Release of Matt Gaetz Ethics Report

MEMPHIS, TN – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today applauded the release of the House Ethics Committee’s report detailing the findings of its investigation into former Congressman Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.). The report uncovered substantial evidence of misconduct, including violations of House rules, state and federal laws, and standards of conduct. Congressman Cohen has long advocated for the report's release to ensure transparency and accountability in government. Earlier this month, he introduced a privileged resolution to force the release of the Ethics Committee’s report on Matt Gaetz.

“Transparency is a cornerstone of our democracy, and the release of this report is a victory for the American people,” said Congressman Cohen. “Congressman Casten of Illinois and I fought for the release of this report because the public had a right to know what was uncovered in this thorough and long-lasting investigation. I commend the members of the Ethics Committee who voted to release this report despite objections. Matt Gaetz called it a ‘witch hunt’—and he knew that was a lie. He claimed it was about drinking and partying, but today’s report proves it was far worse: it wasn’t just alcohol and marijuana, it was cocaine, ecstasy, and more disturbingly it was about paying women for sex, including a 17-year-old girl. It also revealed that he accepted gifts well beyond ethical limits, including paid transportation and lodging for a trip to the Bahamas where some of these illicit activities took place. Investigators found that he accepted impermissible gifts, special favors and privileges, and that he obstructed Congress during the investigation. This goes far beyond ‘partying’—it exposes a pattern of unethical, illegal, and deeply troubling behavior.”

“Gaetz isn’t alone in trying to hide behind the ‘witch hunt’ excuse,” Congressman Cohen added. “George Santos tried the same tactic to deflect from his misconduct, and it didn’t work for him, either. Accountability matters, and today’s release is proof that these House Ethics Committee investigations are not only thorough but essential to protecting the integrity of Congress.”

The report follows years of allegations against Gaetz and a comprehensive investigation conducted by the House Ethics Committee. Congressman Cohen, along with Congressman Sean Casten (IL-6), introduced privileged resolutions earlier this year to force the report's release. Their efforts underscored the importance of public access to the findings of taxpayer-funded investigations. Congressman Cohen has consistently argued that withholding such reports erodes public trust and allows bad actors to deflect and deceive. Click here to read more.
 

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