WASHINGTON — The House Ethics Committee announced Tuesday it is continuing to review several allegations against Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., including claims of sexual misconduct and illegal drug use. The bipartisan panel, responsible for investigating ethics complaints, detailed in a lengthy statement that it is also examining whether Gaetz accepted improper gifts, dispensed special privileges and favors to individuals with whom he had a personal relationship, and sought to obstruct government investigations into his conduct.

The committee indicated it would not take further action regarding allegations that Gaetz shared inappropriate images or videos on the House floor, misused state identification records, converted campaign funds for personal use, or accepted a bribe or improper gratuity.

Gaetz, a prominent ally of Donald Trump on Capitol Hill, has denied all allegations of wrongdoing. In a post on X on Monday night, Gaetz noted that past Ethics investigations into him have resulted in "exoneration."

“The House Ethics Committee has closed four probes into me, which emerged from lies intended solely to smear me. Instead of working with me to ban Congressional stock trading, the Ethics Committee is now opening new frivolous investigations. They are doing this to avoid the obvious fact that every investigation into me ends the same way: my exoneration," he wrote.

Gaetz, who led the effort last fall to overthrow then-Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., blamed him and his allies who have sought retribution.

"This is Soviet. Kevin McCarthy showed them the man, and they are now trying to find the crime," he continued. "I work for northwest Floridians who won’t be swayed by this nonsense, and McCarthy and his goons know it.”

Even months after his ouster, McCarthy has repeatedly accused Gaetz of going after him to stop the ethics investigation.

The Ethics panel first began investigating allegations that Gaetz may have engaged in sexual misconduct and illicit drug use in 2021, when Democrats controlled the House. The committee is now led by Chairman Michael Guest, R-Miss., who was appointed by McCarthy after he won the speaker's gavel. The panel stated Tuesday it has had "difficulty" obtaining information from Gaetz but decided to move forward after speaking with more than a dozen witnesses, issuing 25 subpoenas, and reviewing thousands of pages of documents.

“Based on its review to date, the Committee has determined that certain allegations merit continued review,” the panel said.

The FBI had spent years investigating Gaetz's personal conduct, specifically allegations that he was part of a scheme that led to the sex trafficking of a 17-year-old girl. However, in February 2023, the Justice Department informed Gaetz it was ending its investigation without charging him with any crimes.

Despite the Justice Department's decision, the House Ethics Committee has determined that there is enough evidence to warrant further investigation into other aspects of Gaetz's conduct. This decision reflects the committee's commitment to upholding ethical standards within the House of Representatives and ensuring that all members are held accountable for their actions.

The allegations against Gaetz, including claims of sexual misconduct, illegal drug use, and the misuse of his position for personal gain, have raised serious concerns about his conduct as a public official. The committee's ongoing investigation will seek to clarify these issues and determine whether Gaetz violated House ethics rules.

As the investigation proceeds, Gaetz's political future remains uncertain. His vocal defense against the allegations and his continued support from certain segments of his constituency highlight the polarized nature of contemporary American politics. However, the Ethics Committee's findings could have significant implications for his career and the broader discourse on accountability in government.

The committee's statement underscores the gravity of the allegations and the thoroughness of its investigative process. By continuing to pursue these matters, the House Ethics Committee demonstrates its role in maintaining the integrity of the legislative body and addressing misconduct among its members.

In the coming weeks and months, the committee's findings will likely be scrutinized closely by both supporters and critics of Gaetz. The outcome of this investigation will not only impact Gaetz but also set a precedent for how ethical violations are handled in the future, reinforcing the importance of transparency and accountability in public service.

The ongoing investigation into Gaetz's conduct serves as a reminder of the crucial role that ethics committees play in upholding standards within Congress. The House Ethics Committee's diligence in this matter underscores its commitment to maintaining public trust in the legislative process. By thoroughly examining the allegations and pursuing a detailed investigation, the committee aims to ensure that all members of Congress adhere to the highest ethical standards, thereby strengthening the institution's integrity and credibility.

As the investigation unfolds, the findings will contribute to the broader narrative of ethics and accountability in American politics. The case of Rep. Gaetz highlights the complexities and challenges of navigating political and personal conduct within the public sphere, emphasizing the need for robust oversight mechanisms to address potential misconduct. The House Ethics Committee's work in this case will not only impact Gaetz's political future but also reinforce the foundational principles of transparency, accountability, and ethical governance in the United States.