House Rejects Proposal to Block Censure of Rep. Stacey Plaskett

In a recent vote, the House of Representatives turned down a Democratic motion aimed at halting a Republican resolution that seeks to censure Rep. Stacey Plaskett (D-VI). This resolution also calls for her removal from the influential Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, attributing it to her past communications with the late Jeffrey Epstein.

The motion to refer the resolution to the House Ethics Committee was narrowly rejected, with a vote of 213 to 214. This paves the way for further discussion on the resolution set to take place later this week.

Rep. Ralph Norman (R-SC) brought forth the censure resolution after revelations from February 2019 indicated that he had sought information from Epstein in attempts to compromise President Trump.

Norman has made his censure resolution a privileged one, meaning Congress must act on it within two days. This status helps expedite the process, bypassing normal leadership and committee procedures.

“Jeffrey Epstein was a predator who exploited minors. I find it hard to believe that members of Congress could engage with him in a formal manner,” Norman expressed during the debate.

He argued that the interactions were deliberate and part of an orchestrated effort to undermine Trump, raising concerns about Plaskett’s judgment and integrity.

Plaskett’s office has been contacted for a response to these accusations.

Recently, the House Oversight Committee revealed files regarding Epstein’s estate, which included emails indicating that Plaskett had texted Epstein during a hearing involving Michael Cohen, Trump’s ex-lawyer who has turned into one of his critics.

During that hearing, it was reported that Epstein encouraged Plaskett to inquire about the former chief of staff to the president. Cohen later texted her, complimenting her performance.

Norman’s resolution includes concerns about Plaskett taking procedural instructions from Epstein, a convicted felon with global connections. This raises questions about her past roles, including her time at the U.S. Department of Justice.

He stated that such actions bring into question her suitability for her current position on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence.

Moreover, Norman called for an investigation by the House Ethics Committee regarding Plaskett’s actions.

Previously, Epstein had made contributions to Plaskett’s campaign. He notoriously owned an private island in the Virgin Islands, where many of his crimes occurred. Plaskett later asserted that she had donated the funds received from Epstein.

A spokesperson for Plaskett defended her, highlighting her history as a prosecutor and her commitment to confronting those who attempt to hide the truth.

Recently, the House passed a bill that mandates the Justice Department to release documents related to Epstein.