A dramatic showdown unfolded in the House of Representatives Tuesday night, as a Republican-led effort to remove a Democratic lawmaker from a critical intelligence committee failed by a narrow margin. The attempt centered on recently revealed text messages between the lawmaker and the convicted sex offender, Jeffrey Epstein.
Delegate Stacey Plaskett, representing the Virgin Islands, became the focus of intense scrutiny after the release of documents from Epstein’s estate. These documents detailed a series of text exchanges during the 2019 congressional testimony of Michael Cohen, revealing a surprising level of communication between Plaskett and Epstein during the high-stakes hearing.
The resolution, spearheaded by Representative Ralph Norman, sought not only to censure Plaskett but also to strip her of her position on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence – a panel dealing with the nation’s most sensitive security matters. Norman argued the communications demonstrated a disturbing compromise of the institution’s integrity.
The texts themselves painted a picture of Epstein actively following the Cohen testimony and offering subtle guidance to Plaskett on her questioning strategy. One message showed Epstein suggesting lines of inquiry regarding individuals within the Trump Organization, to which Plaskett responded she was “aware and waiting my turn.”
Democrats fiercely defended Plaskett, framing the censure attempt as a politically motivated distraction. Representative Jamie Raskin pointedly noted the frequent mention of former President Trump’s name within the released Epstein documents, accusing Republicans of hypocrisy. He also emphasized Epstein’s status as a constituent of Plaskett at the time.
The debate quickly escalated into a clash over perceived double standards. Republicans argued Democrats were quick to scrutinize connections between Trump and Epstein, yet remained largely silent on Plaskett’s interactions. Democrats countered that Plaskett was simply responding to a constituent and had a long history as a prosecutor, capable of formulating her own questions.
Plaskett herself explained she received the texts from Epstein, unaware at the time of the full extent of his federal investigation. She maintained she wasn’t seeking advice, but rather receiving information from a constituent. However, critics pointed out Epstein had faced earlier charges related to the exploitation of minors dating back to 2006.
Ultimately, the censure resolution failed 209-214, with three Republicans joining Democrats to block the measure. Three other Republicans cast votes of “present.” The outcome followed a failed attempt by Democrats to refer the matter to the House Ethics Committee for further investigation.
The House had previously passed a bipartisan measure demanding the Department of Justice release all unclassified files related to Epstein, signaling a broader desire for transparency surrounding the case. Despite the failed censure, the controversy surrounding Plaskett’s communications continues to fuel debate and raise questions about ethical boundaries in Washington.
