Jasmine Crockett is drawing national attention after delivering a fiery speech accusing Republicans of abandoning survivors connected to the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
In remarks on the House floor posted to social media, Crockett criticized Republican lawmakers for failing to attend a hearing centered on survivors and accountability, arguing that their absence spoke volumes.
“This should not be a partisan issue — but Republicans have made it one,” Crockett wrote in an Instagram post accompanying video from the hearing. “Their complicity is loud — but their absence was even louder.”
During her remarks, the Texas congresswoman, who is also an attorney, accused officials of engaging in what she described as “pure obstruction.”
“For me, it’s obstruction of justice. It’s real clear and that’s just the lawyer in me,” Crockett said. “Anyone else that would engage in this type of behavior would be charged with obstruction of justice.”
Crockett argued that survivors who came forward deserved accountability and protection, especially those whose identities were allegedly exposed unlawfully.
“These survivors have taken the time to come out,” she said, adding that some were “outed unlawfully” despite laws intended to protect victims.
The Democrat then shifted to a broader political message, urging voters to pay attention to which lawmakers she believes are fighting for vulnerable people.
“You have to vote,” Crockett declared. “If you care about this, you have to vote and you have to understand who is fighting for you.”
She also directly contrasted Democrats and Republicans over participation in the hearing.
“I’m gonna be partisan because only the Democrats decided to show up today,” Crockett said. “There are certain things that were always a basic kind of standard in this country for what was right. We protected the most vulnerable amongst us. We’re not doing that nowadays.”
The comments quickly circulated online, with supporters praising Crockett for forcefully defending survivors and critics accusing her of politicizing the issue.
Crockett has increasingly become one of the Democratic Party’s most outspoken voices on issues involving civil rights, government accountability and legal oversight, often using sharp rhetoric during congressional hearings and media appearances.
The renewed focus on Epstein-related matters comes amid ongoing public scrutiny surrounding records, investigations and questions about powerful figures connected to Epstein’s network.
