Republican Senator Says Senate Will ‘Recreate’ Matt Gaetz Ethic Report If Not Released

CNN’s Manu Raju spoke to Sen. Mike Rounds (R-SD) on Tuesday night about President-elect Donald Trump’s cabinet picks, particularly Matt Gaetz for attorney general and whether or not he can get confirmed.

“I think if there is an ethics report out there that is being or that has been completed, then I think the Senate is going to want to see it. It may very well speed up the vetting process,” Rounds said of the House Ethics Committee report into allegations of sexual misconduct and drug use regarding Gaetz — who resigned from Congress ahead of the report’s release.

“On the other hand, if it’s not available and we have to recreate it ourselves, that would delay our ability to make a decision on a very critical nominee,” Rounds added.

“And, if he [Trump] were to recess appoint any of these nominees who were rejected by the Senate?” followed up Raju.

“I think a recess appointment is going to be very challenging,” replied Rounds.

Raju then rejoined anchor Erin Burnett and provided some additional context to his exchange with Sen. Rounds. “And that last point could become critical because Donald Trump has called on these appointments to be installed via a recess appointment, essentially bypassing the Senate altogether. But you could hear there some pushback,” Raju explained, adding:

And Erin, Gaetz behind the scenes is trying to lock down support. He’s been calling individual Republican senators. And tomorrow, JD Vance, the vice president-elect, will be on Capitol Hill with Gates meeting with some senators as they try to lock down support and reassure them over their concerns. But unclear, Erin, if this House Ethics Committee report will become public. That panel meeting behind closed doors tomorrow to decide how to proceed.

Watch the clip above via CNN.