Ethics panel declines investigation into McCaul over public intoxication

The House Ethics Committee has decided not to open an investigation into outgoing House Foreign Affairs Committee Chair Michael McCaul (R-Texas), who was detained in November for public intoxication while traveling through Dulles International Airport.

In a report released Monday, the committee said it voted on Dec. 10 against opening a probe into McCaul after the Texas lawmaker informed them misdemeanor charges filed against him in district court in Virginia would be dropped, a process that took place days later.

“The Committee voted against impaneling an investigative subcommittee in this matter,” the report said. “The Committee considered the scope and nature of the conduct described above and determined that review by an investigative subcommittee is not required.”

McCaul has publicly acknowledged “poor decision making” in mixing the sleeping medication Ambien and alcohol while traveling in early November, causing him to miss his flight home to Texas. He reportedly became disoriented in the airport, locking himself out of his smartphone, and was ultimately detained by airport authorities.

“I have nothing but respect and gratitude for the officers who intercepted me that evening,” McCaul said at the time.

“This incident does not reflect who I am and who I strive to be. As a human, I am not perfect. But I am determined to learn from this mistake and, God willing, make myself a better person.”

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