ICYMI: E&C Committee Republicans BLOCK Release of Epstein Files Related to Abusive University Team Doctor Larry Nassar

Yesterday, Energy and Commerce Committee Republicans blocked another attempt to release any Jeffrey Epstein files during a Full Committee markup of the SCORE Act, legislation addressing college sports that would give the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), conferences, and universities more control over athletes' health and safety. 

During the markup, Rep. Marc Veasey (D-TX) offered an amendment to the SCORE Act to release files related to Epstein’s relationship with former Michigan State University team doctor Larry Nassar, who sexually abused hundreds of student athletes over decades, to shed more light on that nightmare and help ensure it doesn’t happen again. Every Committee Republican voted to block the amendment. 

Following are portions of Veasey’s remarks in Committee about the need for this amendment:

“While in prison, Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex trafficker of children, was writing letters to Larry Nassar. These two men, arguably the most prolific predators of young girls in American history were in communication. Why? What was the nature of the relationship? Who else knew? What other secrets are buried in those files? And we do not know because they’re being withheld. And yet here we are about to pass a bill that puts universities back in the driver’s seat, controlling student athletes’ health care, their mental health, their health insurance as it relates to their injuries.” 

“If we don’t demand answers now, before we hand over this power, we’re complicit in whatever comes next. We must know what went wrong, how it went wrong, and why it was allowed to continue for decades. Because, here’s the truth, you cannot build the future if you’re hiding the past.” 

Click to view Veasey’s full comments.

What are Republicans trying to hide, and who are they trying to protect?

###