The House Ethics Committee is under scrutiny following revelations that Rep. Susan Wild (D-PA) leaked parts of an ethics report on former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL). The report, which was never released due to a lack of consensus among committee members, became public through media leaks tied to Wild.
Wild admitted to leaking details from the incomplete investigation, a move that coincided with Gaetz’s contentious nomination for attorney general. Her absence from a recent Ethics Committee meeting further fueled questions about her actions. During her absence, Rep. Veronica Escobar (D-TX) temporarily stepped in as acting ranking member.
Wild’s office claimed her absence stemmed from frustration over how the Gaetz investigation was handled. Critics, however, argue her actions were politically motivated, aiming to weaken Gaetz’s nomination, which faced significant resistance in the Senate.
The ethics investigation into Gaetz was closed following his departure from Congress, but the leaked details added to the challenges he faced during the confirmation process. Gaetz ultimately withdrew his nomination after it became clear he lacked the votes for approval.
Committee Chair Rep. Michael Guest (R-MS) has not indicated whether Wild will continue to participate in the committee’s work. Wild, who lost her re-election race to Republican Ryan Mackenzie, is leaving Congress at the end of the year.
The incident has raised concerns about partisanship within the Ethics Committee. Critics say leaks of confidential information not only undermine trust in the committee’s work but also point to a troubling trend of using investigations for political gain.
