Top Republicans, Sens. Susan Collins and John Cornyn, along with other Senate Republicans, prepare to evaluate former Rep. Matt Gaetz’s nomination for attorney general, as they read the House Ethics Committee’s report on him. We are asking for the book to be published.
Here’s what they said:
Sen. Susan Collins: “I don’t know what the House rules are. Of course, it would be helpful for us to look at it, but the information in that report does not apply to background checks, committee investigations, and hearings. I think it’s very likely that we’ll find out through the questions.”
Sen. John Cornyn has already said he wants the report released. “Regardless of whether we get an ethics report or not, the facts are going to come out one way or another, and I think it’s in everyone’s best interest, including the president, not to be surprised by any information that may come out.” during confirmation hearings and background checks,” Cornyn said. “So we’re going to carry out our duties constitutionally, and in the process, I believe, provide some assurance that the president knows exactly the facts about each candidate.”
Sen. Kevin Cramer also said he wants the House Ethics Committee to release its report. “I think so, but more importantly, I want the Judiciary Committee to be able to see it before the hearing,” Cramer said. “Then, depending on what happens, it could of course be made available to other members who are planning to vote at some point.”
“Mr. Gaetz is on an uphill climb” toward confirmation, Sen. Joni Ernst said.
Other Republican senators, including those who will assume leadership at the start of the new Congress, have said they want the Senate Judiciary Committee to decide whether to consider the report.
Here’s what they’re saying:
Sen. John Barrasso: “The Judiciary Committee will conduct all necessary background checks to ensure advice and consent.”
Sen. Shelley Moore Capito: “I’ll let the Judiciary Committee decide that.”
Sen. John Thune: “I don’t know the answer to how that will be handled,” he said. “I think it will be a matter for the House and ultimately it will go to the Senate Judiciary Committee, which will be responsible for getting it through the confirmation hearings in the process.”
