WASHINGTON – The House Ethics Committee said it has launched an investigation into allegations related to Rep. Matt Gaetz (R., Florida), citing a number of alleged abuses, including sexual misconduct, shared use of inappropriate images or videos on the floor of the House. incorrect conversion of campaign funds to personal use.
The Ethics Committee said in a statement that its decision to investigate “does not in itself indicate that any violation has occurred.”
In establishing its inquiry, the group said it was also aware of public allegations against Mr. Gaetz related to misuse of state identification records and acceptance of a bribe, improper gratuity or prohibited gift, in violation of House rules, laws or other rules of conduct.
Gaetz reiterated Friday that he had no plans to step down.
“Let me assure you: I have not yet begun to fight for the country I love and for the nation that I know benefits from the principles of First America,” he told the Save America Summit at Miami’s Trump National Doral venue. “I am built for battle and I am not going anywhere. The blemishes against me range from distortions of my personal life to wild conspiracy theories, and I mean wild.