Top Republicans on the Senate Judiciary Committee are being careful to keep their options open regarding President-elect Donald Trump’s selection for attorney general, former GOP Rep. Matt Gaetz.
Asked if the Senate should receive the House Ethic Committee report on Gaetz, incoming Senate Majority Leader John Thuneof South Dakota, said: “I haven’t given that any thought yet. I just know that the nomination isn’t formalized yet, but when it is, we’ll process it in the way we typically do and provide our advise and consent.”
Texas Its. John Cornyn said he “absolutely” wants to see the findings of a House Ethics Committee probe into sexual misconduct allegations against Gaetz. He also did not rule out backing the former congressman, saying important questions about his nomination would be considered through the Senate’s normal process. “I intend to play my part as a member of the Judiciary Committee,” he said.
South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham and North Carolina Sen. Thom Tillis were less insistent on seeing the House committee’s report. Tillis said it is “up to” the Ethics Committee, and Graham said, “I don’t know what the rules are.” Missouri Sen. Josh Hawley added, “That’s really a matter for the House.”
Tillis said he expects any presidential nominee to be treated with respect, “but at the end of the day, you got to have the votes and you better have the resume. That’s how this process works.”
Pressed on the allegations against Gaetz, Hawley replied, “If there are real and serious issues there, there’ll be time for all of that. I’m sure there will be a thorough background look into all of the nominees.”
Alabama Sen. Tommy Tuberville said, “We’ll all look (at the report). Look at everything, because we’ll make sure we do the right thing. I’m a Matt Gaetz fan because I’ve known him for a long time.”
Indiana Sen. Mike Braun, who will depart the Senate after this term to serve as Indiana’s governor, acknowledged that “issues” with Gaetz’s record might make it “more complicated” to confirm him as attorney general when he was asked if he’s concerned about sex trafficking allegations against Gaetz.
Latest from the Ethics Committee: Asked about the pending report on Gaetz, House Ethics Chairman Michael Guest said Thursday, “What happens in Ethics is confidential. We’re going to maintain that confidentiality.”
Gaetz resigned two days before the committee was set to vote on releasing the report. His resignation ended the investigation, since the House only has jurisdiction over current members of Congress.
This post has been updated with comments from additional senators.
