4/10/21
WASHINGTON – The House Ethics Committee is investigating Republican Reps. Matt Gaetz of Florida and Tom Reed of New York. Reed is accused of inappropriately touching a woman at a bar four years ago, and Gaetz faces a laundry list of allegations in connection with a Justice Department investigation. Gaetz has continued to deny wrongdoing after the New York Times reported he was the subject of a federal investigation. That investigation centers around whether Gaetz had a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old and paid for her to travel with him, according to the Times, which also reported investigators are looking into whether Gaetz violated sex trafficking laws. Gaetz has not been charged with a crime. The Florida congressman also has been accused of showing pictures and videos of nude women he had relations with to other lawmakers while on the House floor. Reed originally denied wrongdoing but later apologized to former lobbyist Nicolette Davis. In March, the Washington Post reported that while intoxicated, Reed rubbed Davis' back, moved his hand outside her shirt, unfastened her bra and continued to grope her in a bar in Minneapolis.
"The Committee is aware of public allegations" against both congressmen, the two statements say. "The Committee, pursuant to Committee Rule 18(a), has begun an investigation and will gather additional information regarding the allegations." The committee said it is additionally looking into allegations against Gaetz about illicit drug use, bribery, use of campaign funds for personal expenses and sharing "inappropriate videos on the House floor.” Reed recently announced he would not run for reelection or for New York governor in 2022 and "therefore will be retiring from public service on January 2nd, 2023." "In reflection, my personal depiction of this event is irrelevant," he said in a statement about the allegations against him. "Simply put, my behavior caused her pain, showed her disrespect and was unprofessional. I was wrong, I am sorry, and I take full responsibility." Gaetz, who gained national attention as one of former President Donald Trump's most ardent supporters in Congress, has painted the allegations against him as part of a political attack and, when the news first broke, as part of an extortion scheme. He has said he is "absolutely not resigning."
