WASHINGTON, D.C. – House members will be going on their August recess break early, all to avoid holding a vote on releasing files on accused sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein. Members on both sides of the aisle have been pressuring the administration since last week to release files related to the disgraced financier.
“Obviously we all want transparency in the Epstein files,” said Rep. Nick Langworthy (R- NY). “There’s no one that’s been complicit but I have to ask the question: in the last four years where has been the care and concern of the Epstein files when their party ran the Justice Department and had access to all the documents?”
Congressman Langworthy, who sits on the Rules Committee, which acts like a gatekeeper determining which bills will be debated and when, said the Committee is unlikely to meet again this week before the August recess. It’s essentially stalling major floor votes on immigration and rolling back Biden-era regulations. Democrats claim it’s all to avoid voting on releasing documents related to the investigation of Epstein, a disgraced financier and sex offender who had friendships with high profile individuals.
House Democrats claim if given the chance, they would’ve forced a vote on amendments, which would’ve pressured the DOJ to release all files on Epstein.
Last week Republicans in the Rules Committee passed a nonbinding resolution which calls for release of documents while protecting victims. Democrats call it a PR stunt with no legal weight.
“Toothless, meaningless a smokescreen meant to dodge accountability that isn’t even coming to the floor,” said Rep. Jim McGovern (D- MA) ranking member on Rules Committee. “This issue is not going to go away.”
Representative Langworthy believes the DOJ could release more documents before congress returns from their August recess.
“And if not, they can sign a discharge petition and that will probably pass overwhelmingly,” said Rep. Langworthy. “But we passed something in Rules Committee, it could be called up in September and we’ll be on with it but this is nonsense and it’s not on the minds of the American people right now.”
Republican House member Rep. Thomas Massie (R- KY) is looking to advance a discharge petition which would force a vote on the issue.
