Massie says DOJ hiding behind ‘strawman’ Epstein victims argument in refusal to release files – Washington Examiner
Representative Thomas Massie criticized the Department of Justice (DOJ) for using concerns about protecting jeffrey Epstein victims’ identities as an excuse to withhold the full release of related files.Massie emphasized that legislation he co-authored with representative Ro Khanna ensures victims’ names and any child pornography would be redacted, aiming to balance openness with victim protection. Despite their efforts, house Speaker Mike Johnson has blocked bringing the bill to the floor, prompting Massie and Khanna to pursue a discharge petition to force a vote after the August recess.Khanna highlighted that victims want the files released for closure and healing, noting that their attorney, Bradley Edwards, has demanded full disclosure (with necessary redactions). Both lawmakers are pushing for justice and transparency surrounding Epstein’s case, challenging DOJ’s stance and lack of victim consultation.
Massie says DOJ hiding behind ‘strawman’ Epstein victims argument in refusal to release files
Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) said the Trump administration was using concern over releasing victim information as a cover for not releasing the entirety of the files related to sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
“Well, look, that’s a ‘strawman.’ Ro and I carefully crafted this legislation so that the victims’ names will be redacted and that no child pornography will be released. So they’re hiding behind that. But we’re trying to get justice for the victims and transparency for America,” Massie said on NBC News’s Meet the Press.
“We’ve redacted things before. We don’t want to hurt the victims. We’re doing this for the victims. I think it’s just something that they’re hiding behind,” Massie added.
He and Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) have led the push in the House to release the Epstein files. The pair introduced a bill instructing the Department of Justice to release the documents on the late financier.
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) has refused to bring the bill to the floor, so Massie and Khanna have resorted to a discharge petition to force a vote, which will now come after the August congressional recess.
In the same interview, Khanna claimed the victims do want the files released.
EPSTEIN FILES PARALYZE THE HOUSE, FORCING JOHNSON TO CANCEL VOTES AND START RECESS
“Bradley Edwards was the lawyer for the victims and has demanded a full release of the files, obviously with the victims’ names redacted. He said the Justice Department never cared about settling the victims. They gave Jeffrey Epstein the plea deal in the first place. They never cared about victims, right? And no one has asked the victims what they want,” Khanna said.
“They do want these files released for closure and for healing,” he continued.
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