House Freedom Caucus Initiates Censure Effort
The House Freedom Caucus is spearheading a movement to censure Delegate Stacey Plaskett for her text exchanges with Jeffrey Epstein during a congressional hearing, where he allegedly provided her with questions.
Ms. Plaskett serves as the Democratic delegate representing the U.S. Virgin Islands, an area where Epstein owned a private island linked to numerous allegations of sexual crimes.
Recent documents released by the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee include text messages exchanged between Ms. Plaskett and Epstein shortly before his arrest in 2019 on federal sex trafficking charges.
At the time of these communications, Epstein was already a convicted sex offender, having pleaded guilty in 2008 to soliciting prostitution from a minor.
The texts were sent before and during a February 2019 House Oversight hearing that Ms. Plaskett attended alongside Michael Cohen, former personal attorney to President Trump. Cohen was testifying about alleged financial manipulations and hush money payments related to an extramarital affair.
The messages indicate that Ms. Plaskett sought advice from Epstein while formulating her questions for Mr. Cohen.
“I think she needs to be censured by the House and removed from the Intelligence Committee for colluding with a convicted felon during a congressional hearing,” stated Andy Harris, Chairman of the House Freedom Caucus and Republican from Maryland. “That does not reflect well on the House of Representatives.”
Mr. Harris announced that the Freedom Caucus plans to introduce a censure resolution against Ms. Plaskett as early as Tuesday, emphasizing that such resolutions are privileged and can be initiated by any member.
The office of Ms. Plaskett has been contacted for comments regarding these allegations.
The texts reveal that Epstein advised Ms. Plaskett about potential inquiries regarding other associates at Trump Organization, including Rhona Graff, whom he referred to as “RONA – keeper of the secrets.” In response, Ms. Plaskett asked if “RONA” was an acronym just before her questioning began.
Ms. Plaskett also probed Mr. Cohen about whether other Trump associates should be interviewed by the committee, specifically mentioning “Ms. Rhona.” Mr. Cohen confirmed Graff’s significant involvement in various matters related to Trump.
While Ms. Plaskett’s name was redacted in Oversight documents, her office confirmed she received texts from Epstein during the hearing through statements made to media outlets.
“As a former prosecutor she welcomes information that helps her get at the truth,” said her office in defense of her actions.“The congresswoman has previously made clear her long record combating sexual assault and human trafficking.”
Diverse Democratic leaders have avoided direct inquiries about Ms. Plaskett’s interactions with Epstein but have pointed towards ongoing efforts in Congress aimed at compelling the Justice Department to disclose its case files concerning Epstein.
