The House Ethics Committee will subpoena Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) as it investigates whether he engaged in sexual misconduct or illicit drug use with a minor.
Despite the DOJ dropping its similar investigation, House Ethics had continued its probe with Gaetz's cooperation. But Gaetz now says he'll no longer cooperate now that he's been subpoenaed.
Gaetz posted a statement on Twitter refuting the investigation and all claims against him, including when the Committee asked him on September 4th whether he had engaged in sexual activity with any individual under 18.
“The answer to this question is unequivocally NO,” he wrote.
Calling the Committee's line of questioning “uncomfortably nosey,” Gaetz suggested the panel had asked about “the lawful, consensual, sexual activities of adults” which “are not the business of Congress.”
Unfortunately for him, his friend Joel Greenberg is in prison right now for the same crimes. Greenberg cooperated with the House Ethics Committee's investigation, so Gaetz's claims are to be taken with the proverbial grain of salt, Florida Man-style.
The House Ethics Committee doesn't comment on current investigations but did release a statement in June regarding the Gaetz case which said that "some of the allegations" against the Florida Man “merit continued review” and that it has “identified additional allegations.”
The committee also said it's investigating whether Gaetz may have “engaged in sexual misconduct and illicit drug use, accepted improper gifts, dispensed special privileges and favors to individuals with whom he had a personal relationship, and sought to obstruct government investigations of his conduct.”