WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Jeffrey Epstein saga has consumed our nation’s capital city. Following the swift passage from congress to release all of the Epstein files, the House narrowly failed a measure to censure USVI Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett (D- USVI) for her texts with Epstein during a hearing back in 2019.
“I think Jeffrey Epstein is a reprehensible person, absolutely disgusting,” said Del. Plaskett during an interview with CNN the day after the House rejected to censure her on a 209-214-3 vote. If the censure vote was successful, it would’ve removed her from the House Intelligence Committee.
This follows the House Oversight Committee unveiling text messages she exchanged with the late sex offender, Jeffrey Epstein. The disgraced financier had a residence on Little Saint James in the islands. The Washington Post reported Epstein texted her during a closely watched 2019 committee hearing with President Trump’s former attorney, Michael Cohen.
Republicans suggested that the texts from Epstein floated potential questions for Plaskett to ask Cohen about other Trump associates the committee could interview.
“It raises serious questions about Delegate Plaskett’s judgement, her integrity and her fitness to serve,” said Rep. Ralph Norman (R- SC), who spearheaded the censure resolution.
Defending herself on the House floor, Plaskett said she receives info from a variety of sources and added she doesn’t need to get advice to question anybody from any individual.
“They’ve taken a text exchange that shows no participation, no assistance, no involvement in any illegal activity and weaponized it for political theater,” said Del. Plaskett on the floor. “You want to talk about texting, texting felons? How often do you text President Donald J. Trump?”
At the time of the text exchange Epstein had already plead guilty to state charges of soliciting prostitution and soliciting prostitution from a person under the age of 18 years-old.
Plaskett acknowledged she texted with Epstein and rejected the idea she has engaged in any wrongdoing. She added it was not public knowledge at that time that he was under federal investigation. Plaskett said she wants the political theater to end and victims of Epstein to get their justice.
“I’m hopeful we can now get back to the work that we do in congress,” said Del. Plaskett to CNN after the House censure vote.
