Two moderate Republicans serving on the House Ethics Committee are believed to have collaborated with their Democrat colleagues in a confidential vote to release the committee’s report on former Congressman Matt Gaetz (R-FL). Representatives Dave Joyce (R-OH) and Andrew Garbarino (R-NY), who are closely associated with ousted Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA), reportedly backed the report’s release, according to Axios. Both Joyce and Garbarino were appointed to the Ethics Committee in January 2023 as part of McCarthy’s effort to place loyal allies in key positions.
The pair of Republican Congressmen had been part of a larger network of McCarthy’s lieutenants installed in influential committees to ensure the then-Speaker’s directives were enforced in the GOP-led House. However, the dynamics shifted drastically after Rep. Gaetz successfully spearheaded a motion to vacate McCarthy’s speakership in October 2023. This unexpected move appeared to create tension among McCarthy’s allies, including Joyce and Garbarino.
Initial reports suggest that Joyce and Garbarino may have voted against releasing the ethics report at first. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) had reportedly expressed opposition to making the document public, influencing their initial decision. However, their subsequent reversal raises questions about potential pressure exerted by McCarthy or his loyalists. This speculation has fueled concerns about internal divisions within the Republican Party and possible retaliatory measures against Gaetz.
The fallout from McCarthy’s removal extended beyond the Ethics Committee. In November 2023, Gaetz was forced to withdraw his name from consideration for the position of U.S. Attorney General. The development was celebrated by several former McCarthy staffers and aligned lawmakers. Notably, Rep. Michael Lawler (R-NY) took to X (formerly Twitter) to declare, “Justice has been served,” echoing sentiments expressed by Brittany Martinez, a former McCarthy aide.
Adding to the controversy, Rep. Joyce faces ethical scrutiny himself. The Ohio Congressman has been accused of violating the STOCK Act, a law designed to curb insider trading among lawmakers. Allegedly, Joyce committed 136 violations under the Act, raising serious questions about his adherence to ethical standards. Despite the House Ethics Committee’s authority to investigate such matters, there appears to be little to no action taken against Joyce regarding his stock trading activities.
Joyce’s controversial record extends beyond the STOCK Act violations. He was the only member of Ohio’s Republican Congressional delegation to oppose holding Attorney General Merrick Garland in contempt of Congress. This vote further fueled criticism from conservative factions, who view Joyce’s actions as inconsistent with Republican priorities.
The Ethics Committee’s handling of Gaetz’s report has sparked debate over transparency and the potential misuse of the committee’s power for political retaliation. Critics argue that the timing of the report’s release and the involvement of McCarthy allies suggest a coordinated effort to undermine Gaetz following his role in ousting the former Speaker. These concerns have reignited calls for greater accountability within Congress and a reevaluation of the Ethics Committee’s processes.
Meanwhile, the Republican Party continues to grapple with internal divisions that have intensified since McCarthy’s ousting. The apparent targeting of Gaetz underscores the deep fractures within the party, as well as the lingering influence of McCarthy and his loyalists. Some GOP members have called for unity and a focus on advancing conservative policies, but the controversies surrounding the Ethics Committee and Gaetz’s treatment complicate these efforts.
Observers note that the Ethics Committee’s actions could set a concerning precedent for the future. If ethical investigations and reports are perceived as tools for settling political scores, public trust in the committee and Congress as a whole could erode further. Transparency advocates emphasize the importance of ensuring that ethics investigations are conducted fairly and without partisan interference.
For Gaetz, the release of the Ethics Committee report marks another chapter in his contentious career. Despite the challenges he faces, Gaetz remains a prominent figure within the GOP and continues to advocate for conservative causes. His allies argue that the actions against him are politically motivated and designed to weaken his influence within the party.
The broader implications of this episode extend beyond Gaetz’s individual case. The controversies surrounding Joyce, Garbarino, and the Ethics Committee highlight systemic issues within Congress that demand attention. As debates over ethics, transparency, and accountability continue, the Republican Party faces mounting pressure to address these challenges and restore public confidence.
In the midst of these controversies, House Speaker Mike Johnson has sought to refocus the party’s efforts on legislative priorities. However, the lingering fallout from McCarthy’s ousting and the Ethics Committee’s actions complicate Johnson’s efforts to unify the party and move forward.
