Epstein's victims waited decades for the truth. When releasing the files came down to a single vote, John Carter sided with the cover-up. Twice. Then, once it was safe, he took credit.
Democrats tried to bring an amendment to release the Epstein files to the House floor. Republican leadership blocked it on a procedural vote by a single vote.
Congressman Carter voted with leadership to keep it off the floor.
On the House floor, Rep. Jim McGovern said that if this vote failed, he would immediately bring up H.R. 4405, the bill to release the Epstein files.
Carter voted yes to block it a second time.
A handful of members, Republicans and Democrats, signed a discharge petition to force a vote on releasing the files over leadership's objections.
Congressman Carter never signed it.
After the petition forced the vote, the Epstein Files Transparency Act passed with every member but one voting yes. Carter was one of the 427.
“When the vote was 427 to 1, Congressman Carter voted yes. Anybody can do that.” — Justin Early
Twice that July, when the files could have come up for a vote, he voted to block it.
“That's a justice system that protects the rich and powerful. If you're a working family in Killeen, the law comes down hard. If you're one of Epstein's powerful friends, you get a pass.”
“I'll vote to fund the investigators and prosecutors to follow those files wherever they lead, no matter whose name is in them, Republican or Democrat.”
211–210 and 218–211. Carter voted with leadership both times to keep the Epstein files from coming up for a vote, and never signed the petition to force one.
427–1. Carter voted yes and posted that he is “rooted in transparency and accountability.”
“The victims of Jeffrey Epstein waited decades for the truth. I'm a father. I'd have signed that petition the first day, and I'd vote to make sure every file comes out, no matter whose name is in it.”
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