Massie Criticizes Johnson on Recess as He Tries to Force Epstein Files Vote
Massie Criticizes Johnson on Recess as He Tries to Force Epstein Files Vote
“I don’t know why it should be politically painful to be transparent,” Representative Thomas Massie, a Kentucky Republican, said on Sunday, referring to comments by Speaker Mike Johnson.
Read the full article on NY Times Politics
Truth Analysis
Analysis Summary:
The article appears mostly accurate, with multiple sources confirming the core claims about Massie's criticism of Johnson regarding a recess and a vote on Epstein files. There's a slight bias towards framing Johnson's actions negatively, implying an attempt to avoid transparency. The article relies on reporting from other news outlets, which generally corroborate the events.
Detailed Analysis:
- Claim: Representative Thomas Massie criticized Speaker Mike Johnson on recess as he tries to force an Epstein files vote.
- Verification Source #1: Confirms Johnson shut down the House early, potentially to sideline calls for a vote on Epstein files.
- Verification Source #2: Confirms Massie planned to circumvent House Republican leaders and try to force a vote on Epstein files.
- Verification Source #3: Confirms Massie intends to try to force a vote on legislation to release Epstein-related files.
- Verification Source #4: Confirms Johnson is sending lawmakers home early for a recess as he fights a bipartisan effort to force the release of Epstein files.
- Verification Source #5: Confirms Massie launched an attempt to force a vote on Epstein files.
- Assessment: Supported by multiple sources.
- Claim: Massie said, 'I don’t know why it should be politically painful to be transparent,' referring to comments by Speaker Mike Johnson.
- Verification Source #2: The NY Times article itself includes this quote, suggesting its accuracy. Other sources do not directly quote this statement but describe the situation in a way that aligns with this sentiment.
- Assessment: Likely accurate, based on the article itself and corroborating context from other sources. However, the exact quote is only verified by the original article.
Supporting Evidence/Contradictions:
- Source 1: 'Johnson shuts down House for the summer to sideline calls for ... vote on the Epstein files'
- Source 2: 'Representative Thomas Massie, Republican of Kentucky, said he still planned to circumvent House Republican leaders and try to force a vote on…'
- Source 4: 'The speaker is sending lawmakers home early for a five-week recess as he fights a bipartisan effort to force the release of Epstein files'