A dramatic attempt by House Republicans to formally censure a Democratic colleague over her real-time text message exchanges with the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has collapsed in acrimony and allegations of backroom dealing.
Floor Vote Defeats Censure Measure
On Tuesday night, the US House of Representatives witnessed the failure of a Republican-led resolution that sought to censure Stacey Plaskett, the Democratic delegate for the US Virgin Islands. The measure, which would have formally reprimanded her and removed her from the prestigious House Intelligence Committee, was defeated by a vote of 209 to 214.
Three Republicans—Don Bacon of Nebraska, Lance Gooden of Texas, and Dave Joyce of Ohio—broke ranks to vote with all present Democrats against the resolution. A further three Republicans opted to vote 'present'. The vote's immediate aftermath ignited a fiery confrontation on the chamber floor, with accusations flying that party leaders had struck a covert deal to shield members from both sides who are facing ethical scrutiny.
Epstein Texts and a Swift Political Retaliation
The controversy stems from newly released documents that revealed Plaskett was in contact with Jeffrey Epstein during a 2019 House Oversight Committee hearing featuring Michael Cohen, Donald Trump's former attorney. The messages suggest Epstein was watching the proceedings and feeding Plaskett information that appeared to shape her line of questioning.
In one exchange, first uncovered by the Washington Post, Epstein alerted Plaskett that Cohen had mentioned Rhona Graff, Trump's long-time executive assistant. "RONA?? Quick I'm up next is that an acronym," Plaskett replied urgently. Epstein responded simply, "Thats his assistant." Other messages showed Epstein complimenting Plaskett's appearance, writing "Great outfit" and "You look great," to which she replied "Thanks!"
In a statement, Plaskett's office clarified that during hearings she receives messages "from staff, constituents and the public at large offering advice, support and in some cases partisan vitriol, including from Epstein." The statement strongly emphasised her record in combating sexual assault and human trafficking and her "disgust over Epstein's deviant behaviour."
Accusations of 'Swampy' Backroom Deals
The political drama escalated moments after the Plaskett vote failed. Democrats abruptly withdrew their own planned censure resolution against Florida Republican representative Cory Mills, who is facing allegations of stolen valour, financial misconduct, and domestic abuse—claims he denies.
This sequence of events prompted an outburst from Colorado Republican Lauren Boebert, who was seen wagging her finger and shouting at colleagues on the House floor. Florida Republican Anna Paulina Luna then attempted a parliamentary inquiry, demanding House Speaker Mike Johnson "explain why leadership on both sides, both Democrat and Republican, are cutting back-end deals to cover up public corruption." Boebert vocally supported her, shouting "Get it, girl."
The perception of a quid pro quo arrangement was echoed by other Republicans. Florida representative Kat Cammack wrote on X that "a handful of Republicans took a dive" on the Plaskett vote to protect a Republican with his own ethics issues, calling the manoeuvre "swampy, wrong and always deserves to be called out." South Carolina's Nancy Mace condemned it as "another backroom deal" and reports suggest she may force a new vote to censure Mills.
This episode underscores the deep political divisions and the complex, often controversial, negotiations that characterise the current session of the US House of Representatives.
