The House Ethics Committee is facing intense scrutiny after a contentious vote on whether to release its findings regarding former Representative Matt Gaetz (R-FL), who resigned from Congress in November amidst allegations of sexual misconduct and other violations.

The committee, evenly split between Republicans and Democrats, voted along party lines, with Democrats pushing for the report’s release and Republicans opposing it.

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The investigation into Gaetz has been a focal point for the committee, which typically loses jurisdiction over a matter once the subject resigns.

However, the deliberations gained new urgency after reports surfaced last month that sealed depositions related to the investigation were accessed by an “unknown and unauthorized third party.”

Democratic Representative Susan Wild (D-PA), the committee’s ranking member, has led the charge to release the findings, despite concerns raised by House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) and other Republicans.

Johnson warned that releasing an ethics report after a member’s resignation could set a damaging precedent for future investigations.

Wild’s advocacy took a dramatic turn when it was revealed that she was the source of leaks related to the Gaetz investigation.

Oh, the Irony: Top Democrat on Ethics Committee Outed as Leaker of Gaetz Report

“Rep. Susan Wild, the top Democrat on the House Ethics Committee has been outed as the leaker of the @MattGaetz report.

The House Ethics Committee was going to release a ‘damaging’ report on Matt… pic.twitter.com/r2Idvkff7l

— Kyle Becker (@kylenabecker) December 10, 2024

According to sources who spoke to The Hill, Wild admitted to the panel that she had disclosed information about the inquiry to the press.

Her absence from last week’s committee meeting further fueled speculation about her involvement.

NEWS: Rep. Susan Wild, the top Democrat on the House Ethics Committee, will NOT attend today’s Ethics meeting, sources familiar with the matter tell me & @bresreports. The panel is about to meet again on its long-awaited Matt Gaetz report.

There was a dispute over comments made…

— Melanie Zanona (@MZanona) December 5, 2024

Jed Ober, Wild’s chief of staff, later issued a statement explaining her absence, saying, “Rep. Wild was frustrated by the manner in which the report was handled and didn’t feel it was fruitful to participate in any further meetings on its ‘potential’ release. Characterizing it as anything more is inaccurate.”

The controversy surrounding Wild’s actions has raised questions about the committee’s integrity.

While details of the leaked information remain unclear, two sources confirmed that Wild ultimately confessed to being responsible for the leaks.

The leaks reportedly included sensitive details from sealed depositions, further complicating the already contentious case.

Wild’s absence from last week’s meeting led to Representative Veronica Escobar (D-TX) stepping in as acting ranking member.

Meanwhile, the committee’s chair, Representative Michael Guest (R-MS), assured reporters that Thursday’s meeting would not be the group’s last.

Gaetz’s resignation in November followed his withdrawal from consideration for U.S. Attorney General, a role for which he had been nominated by President-elect Donald Trump.

The Ethics Committee lost jurisdiction over the matter upon his departure, but Democrats have continued to push for transparency.

Wild has remained steadfast in her belief that the report should be made public.

When asked last week whether the panel should release its findings, she responded affirmatively, saying, “Yes.”

On the question of whether the report should be disclosed exclusively to the Senate, she remarked, “Either you are going to disclose it or you’re not going to disclose it.”

The Ethics Committee’s deliberations highlight ongoing tensions between the two parties over how to handle sensitive investigations.

The decision to release or withhold the Gaetz report could set a precedent for future cases, particularly those involving high-profile political figures.

For now, the committee remains divided, and the fate of the report—and its potential implications for Congress—hangs in the balance.