The Democratic-controlled U.S. House of Representatives Ethics Committee said on Friday it has opened an investigation into Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz involving allegations including possible sexual misconduct and illicit drug use.
The panel's Democratic chairman and top Republican said in a joint statement they had become "aware of public allegations" that Gaetz, one of former President Donald Trump's most prominent supporters in Congress, may have violated "House rules, laws or other standards of conduct."
Gaetz is being investigated by the U.S. Justice Department for possibly violating sex-trafficking laws by paying travel expenses for a 17-year-old female with whom he was romantically involved, according to a U.S. law enforcement source who spoke on condition of anonymity.