Republican leaders on the Senate Judiciary Committee are being cautious about keeping options open regarding President-elect Donald Trump’s choice of former Republican lawmaker Matt Gaetz for attorney general.
Asked whether the Senate should receive the House Ethics Committee’s report on Gaetz, incoming Senate Majority Leader John Thune of South Dakota said: We understand that the appointment has not yet been formalized, but once it is, we will process it in the normal way and provide advice and consent. ”
Texas Sen. John Cornyn said he “absolutely” wants to know the findings of the House Ethics Committee, which is investigating sexual misconduct allegations against Gates. He also said important issues regarding his nomination would be considered in the Senate’s regular process, and did not rule out supporting him. “I intend to serve as a member of the Judiciary Committee,” he said.
Sens. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina and Thom Tillis of North Carolina were less adamant about seeing the House committee’s report. Tillis said it was “up to” the Ethics Commission, while Graham said: “I don’t know what the rules are.” Missouri Sen. Josh Hawley added, “This is really a House issue.”
“I voted for a lot of people I didn’t like,” Graham said, adding: “I voted for a lot of people I didn’t like. Elections have consequences. (Trump) chose Matt Gaetz. Matt will appear before the committee and will be grilled, but we’ll see. ”
Tillis said he expects presidential candidates to be treated with respect. That’s how this process works. ”
When asked about the allegations against Gates, Hawley said: We are confident that a thorough background check will be conducted on all candidates. ”
“But you asked about my own guess here. And my own guess for all of his nominees is that the president has the right to choose his Cabinet, and I would support them.” I think so,” Hawley added.
“We’re all going to take a look at (the report),” said Alabama Sen. Tommy Tuberville. Look at everything. We make sure we’re doing the right thing. I’m a Matt Gaetz fan because I’ve known him for a long time. ”
Indiana Sen. Mike Braun, who plans to leave the Senate at the end of this term to become Indiana’s governor, was asked if he had concerns about Gates’ sex, saying he had “problems” with Gates’ record. , acknowledged that confirmation as attorney general could be “more complex.” Human trafficking allegations against Gaetz.
Ethics Committee Update: Asked about the pending report on Gaetz, House Ethics Committee Chairman Michael Guest said Thursday: We will keep that secret. ”
Gaetz resigned two days before the committee was to vote on releasing the report. Since the House of Representatives only has jurisdiction over sitting members, his resignation ended the investigation.
This post has been updated with comments from additional senators.
