It is time that we, in a bipartisan action, expel Matt Gaetz from his role as a Representative for Florida’s first congressional district. From the countless amount of times he’s caused political controversy, even in his own party, to the recent allegations of sexual misconduct and potential child sex trafficking, it is abundantly clear that Rep. Gaetz does not hold the readiness or the moral clarity to be seated in the House of Representatives.

To start, Representative Gaetz championed and echoed the false conspiracy and rhetoric regarding the integrity of the 2020 election, claiming, without proof, that massive voter fraud took place and that former President Trump was the true winner. This continued into his role supporting the insurrection caused by former President Trump among others. Rep. Gaetz also has a history of intimidating witnesses of Congressional trials, namely Michael Cohen, whom he tweeted about only hours ahead of Cohen’s testimony, writing “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…”

Additionally, Gaetz has often publicly downplayed and minimized the threats of COVID-19, a pandemic that struck the world by storm and has caused millions of deaths globally, with nearly 20 percent of those deaths coming from the United States. He has downplayed the virus verbally, speaking to the press or on his personal social media pages, and has pulled stunts to garner a laugh in a grief-stricken time period, such as his wearing of a gas mask to the House floor for a crucial COVID-related vote.

But none of what was mentioned before holds a candle to what is ongoing. Not only is Rep. Gaetz being accused of sexual misconduct, he’s also under investigation for sex trafficking. This sheds negative light on Representative Gaetz, his constituents, and more importantly the United States as a whole for allowing a member to keep his position while under investigation for such heinous crimes.

That is why we, as Americans, do not feel represented or comforted by Congressman Gaetz’s presence in a federal office. We’re calling upon our House Leadership in Representatives Pelosi and McCarthy to officially expel Congressman Gaetz from his position, so we can move on from his false rhetoric, stunts, and lack of morals in the House of Representatives.