Even if it is voted down they need more actions like this. Republicans keep saying, “I didn’t vote for that [smaller part of a bigger bill],” but if it’s a simple Yes/No to release the Epstein files what can they say except some bullshit about it being “just a distraction” or “there’s nothing else to release”.
They have enough votes (at the moment) to force this version to get through the house via a discharge petition (way of going around the speaker). All 212 dems + 10 republicans last I saw. We’ll see if the 10 republicans who’ve said they’d back it actually hold up on final vote since they keep folding under pressure from Trump
Even if they do, I don’t know if this has the votes in the Senate / nor is it a veto-proof majority. Though Trump vetoing it would likely rile up his base more on this
Every action generates headlines. In this case even getting voted down is a win because it’s another round of stories.
Oh 100%, keeps it going and puts pressure on the representatives who are up for reelection. The base is already mad about this, and even those who may not abandon Trump on this may very well be willing to blame Republicans in congress
Plus dems for once are actually playing smart politics here. Over the past two weeks, they’ve been forcing votes on various versions of it. They’ve had 4 so far I believe. Some in various committees, some as amendments, etc. The Massie/Ro Khanna version of the bill would make it even harder to shoot down than those other votes because it would be fully stand alone and fairly well written to cover all the various other excuses raised earlier
The House is working on wording to call for the release of all “credible” Epstein allegations. Of course, then they’ll get to decide exactly which allegations are “credible” …
Can we focus on the important shit?
We already know Trump is a rapist. Let his base eat shit and froth at the mouth.
