Clay Higgins stands alone in opposing the release of Epstein files

In a significant display of bipartisanship, nearly every Republican in the US House voted in favor of a bill to release documents related to Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender. The lone dissenting vote came from Clay Higgins, a Republican representative from Louisiana.

Clay Higgins’ Dissent on Epstein Document Release

Higgins called his vote a principled “NO,” expressing concerns over the impact of the legislation. He emphasized that the bill undermines longstanding criminal justice procedures in the United States.

“What was wrong with the bill three months ago is still wrong today,” he remarked on social media platform X. Higgins’ primary worry centered on the privacy of Epstein’s victims, stating that the legislation could expose innocent individuals to harm.

Legislative Support and Future Amendments

The House approved the Epstein bill with a staggering vote count of 427-1. This bipartisan support was a rare occurrence in Congress. Following the House’s vote, the Senate also passed the legislation, paving the way for President Donald Trump’s signature.

Higgins indicated he would reconsider his position if the Senate made amendments to the bill. However, Republican Senate Majority Leader John Thune suggested that changes were unlikely after such a decisive House vote.

Background on Clay Higgins

• Higgins has represented Louisiana’s third district since 2017.
• He is known as one of the most conservative members of Congress.
• His voting history includes unorthodox positions, as seen in this latest legislative dispute.

In 2024, Higgins faced censure from House Republicans for remarks made on social media regarding Haiti, which many considered offensive. Previously, he faced scrutiny for posts on Facebook that incited violence against protestors, leading to their removal.

Before his political career, Higgins served in the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office but resigned after controversy over a video that depicted him threatening gang members.

The legislative situation surrounding the Epstein files highlights significant divisions within the Republican Party and raises important questions about privacy and justice. Emegypt will continue to monitor the developments surrounding this high-profile case and the implications of the bill.