House Ethics Committee voted to release report on ex-Rep. Matt Gaetz

Dec. 18 (UPI) — The House Ethics Committee has opted to release its long-awaited report into former Florida congressman Matt Gaetz, according to multiple news outlets.

The House panel voted in secret earlier in the month to release its findings into the conduct of Gaetz, CNN, CBS News and The Hill reported.

The report is expected to be released following the final votes of the 118th Congress, the outlets reported.

On Wednesday, Gaetz noted that he was never charged with a crime.

“My 30s were an era of working very hard — and playing hard too,” the former Florida representative wrote on social media. “It’s embarrassing, though not criminal, that I probably partied, womanized, drank and smoked more than I should have earlier in life,” he added.

Gaetz, who was nominated by President-elect Donald Trump to be his first pick for U.S. attorney general, was under an active investigation for roughly three years by the House Ethics Committee for alleged illicit drug use, accepting improper gifts and sexual misconduct.

Gaetz has denied the allegations including claims that he paid a 17-year-old girl for sex.

“In my single days, I often sent funds to women I dated — even some I never dated but who asked,” said Gaetz. “I dated several of these women for years. I NEVER had sexual contact with someone under 18. Any claim that I have would be destroyed in court — which is why no such claim was ever made in court.”

Gaetz, 42, abruptly resigned his seat in Congress last month right after Trump announced his nomination to lead the Justice Department.

The committee voted at the end of November to not release its report after some disagreement among members and two Republican-led blocks. Its release suggests Republican members likely sided with Democrats in the rare move to reveal findings on a former House member.

But Gaetz says the Ethics investigation relied on witnesses the U.S. Justice Department “deemed not-credible.” He added that he’s had “no chance to ever confront any accusers” and has “never been charged” or sued.

“Instead, House Ethics will reportedly post a report online that I have no opportunity to debate or rebut as a former member of the body,” Gaetz said.