The Senate Committee on Ethics convened on February 11, 2025, to discuss ongoing allegations involving a member of the committee, Senator Hawkes Lewis. The meeting highlighted significant concerns regarding the handling of complaints from the Political Workers Guild (PWG) and the senator's response to these allegations.

Senator Hawkes Lewis expressed frustration over the accusations, labeling them as "distortions" and "falsehoods." She claimed that the complaints were politically motivated and aimed at tarnishing her reputation. Her remarks indicated a strong defense of her voting record, which she stated reflects her commitment to union labor and working families.

Committee members, including Senator Roberts, acknowledged the complexity of the situation. He noted the difficulty in addressing the allegations without a formal decision-making process in place. Roberts pointed out the inconsistency in Hawkes Lewis's stance, particularly her previous call for an ethics investigation juxtaposed with her current assertion that the matter should not have been assigned to the ethics committee.

Senator Weissman added to the discussion by highlighting the challenges in interpreting the senator's response, which he described as "challenging" and "a bit of a flip flop." He also referenced a concerning mention of potential defamation, which raised further questions about the implications of the ongoing dispute.

The committee did not reach any formal conclusions during the meeting, but the discussions underscored the complexities of the allegations and the need for careful consideration of the evidence presented. The outcome of this inquiry remains uncertain as the committee continues to navigate the intricacies of the situation.