Democrats will push for release of Gaetz report despite withdrawal from AG running

House Democrats will push to release the Ethics Committee report on former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) despite Gaetz's decision Thursday to withdraw his name from the running to lead the Justice Department in President-elect Trump's incoming administration. 

Rep. Sean Casten (D-Ill.), who had introduced a resolution Wednesday to force a House vote on releasing the report, said the public still has the right to know what Ethics investigators found as they probed allegations that Gaetz had used illicit drugs and had sexual relations with a minor while he was a sitting congressman. Gaetz has vigorously denied any wrongdoing.

“While I welcome the news that Matt Gaetz is withdrawing from consideration for Attorney General, it remains important that the Gaetz report be made available to the American people,” Casten said in a brief statement.

Casten's resolution is "privileged," meaning it must receive a floor vote within two legislative days of its introduction. Casten's decision to push ahead sets the stage for the House to hold that vote when lawmakers to Washington following the Thanksgiving break, in the first week of December, when GOP leaders are expected to attempt to "table" the motion. 

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