Republicans standing by Gaetz, for now

Rep. Matt Gaetz, under federal investigation for sex trafficking allegations, is “innocent until proven guilty” and Republicans don’t plan to punish him unless charges are filed, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy said.

McCarthy, R- Calif., said he told Gaetz the party would act against him if legal action began. Internal House GOP rules require that lawmakers charged with serious felonies lose their membership in committees.

Democrats have called for Gaetz to be removed from the House Judiciary Committee, which oversees the Justice Department that’s investigating him.