Many senators were surprised and dismayed by the nomination when speaking toThe New York Times.
“I don’t think he’s a serious candidate,” Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski said.
“I was shocked by the announcement,” Republican Senator Susan Collins added.
Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal didn’t hold back when sharing his opinion on the nomination.
This nomination will probably be the first test of their integrity."
Raised eyebrows over Gaetz’s nomination should come as no surprise.
Gaetz was pulled over for speeding by Deputy Chris Anglin.
He admitted to drinking beer before driving and refused to take a breathalyzer test.
Meadows dropped the case in December 2008, but not without controversy.
His arrest received attention in 2019 when Gaetz criticizedHunter Biden and his problems with addiction.
I don’t think it’s proper."
He looked toward Gaetz as he spoke, alluding to Gaetz’s 2008 arrest (viaWashington Post).
“Hey [Michael Cohen] Do your wife & father-in-law know about your girlfriends?
Maybe tonight would be a good time for that chat.
I wonder if she’ll remain faithful when you’re in prison.
She’s about to learn a lot …” Gaetz wrote in a since-deleted tweet.
“This isn’t witness tampering, it’s witness testing.
After being called out by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Gaetz deleted the tweet.
Gaetz’s behavior prompted the House Ethics Committee to launch an investigation.
“Every member of Congress has relationships with their donors.
A watchdog group filed complaints against Gaetz and Merrill, prompting an investigation by the Office of Congressional Ethics.
I pay $18 a square foot,” Gaetz said, per thePensacola New Journal.
In July 2020, the Office of Congressional Ethics recommended no action was to be taken against Gaetz.
“Matt Gaetz has never paid for sex.
Matt Gaetz refutes all the disgusting allegations completely,” his office said in a statement.
By 2023, the Department of Justice concluded its investigation and elected not to bring charges against Gaetz.
A report on their findings may still be released, according toThe Washington Post.
Gaetz was joined by 19 other republicans who voted against the bill, which passed in a 401-20 vote.
This wasn’t the first time Gaetz voted no on an anti-human trafficking bill.
