GOP effort to censure Dem Plaskett for texting Epstein survives first House vote

WASHINGTON — The House rejected a Democratic bid to stop a GOP resolution to censure Del. Stacey Plaskett (D-VI) and yank her from the chamber’s powerful Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence over revelations she texted late sex predator Jeffrey Epstein.

The House rejected a Democratic effort to refer the censure resolution to the House Ethics Committee for consideration, with 213 in favor of the motion and 214 opposed, paving the way for consideration of the censure bid later this week.

The US House of Representatives has rejected a Democratic bid to stop GOP resolution to censure Del. Stacey Plaskett (D-VI) and remove her from the chamber’s Permanent Select Committee. CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images

Rep. Ralph Norman (R-SC) had rolled out the resolution to censure Plaskett in the wake of revelations that she texted Epstein in February 2019 to dig up dirt on President Trump.

“Jeffrey Epstein was a predator who exploited minors. The idea that any Member of Congress would coordinate with him on official proceedings is beyond comprehension,” Norman said.

“This was not casual contact. These were deliberate communications that shaped part of a hearing designed to attack President Trump. It raises serious questions about judgment, integrity, and fitness to serve.”

Three Republicans supported the motion to refer the resolution to the committee.