GOP Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky delivered an hour-long floor speech yesterday, ridiculing House Speaker Mike Johnson for falsely claiming that he is not a “fully participating member of Congress.” During the speech, Massie also criticized Johnson’s recent recesses to block passage of his second Epstein Files Transparency Act and efforts to impeach Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
Massie detailed how Johnson’s claim about his participation in Congress was a shocking calumny. He noted that Johnson had previously insulted him for not being part of President Donald Trump’s “clucking flock” of MAGA supporters, with Johnson serving as the leader of Trump’s “chicken coop” on Capitol Hill.
The speech, which Massie described as a “point of personal privilege,” addressed allegations by Johnson. According to Congress.gov, questions of personal privilege pertain to issues affecting the rights, reputation, and conduct of Members in their representative capacity. The Speaker determines whether an allegation or statement gives rise to such a question.
Massie began his remarks by citing Johnson’s recent statements: “Roughly three weeks ago, the speaker of the House said, ‘Let me tell you how stupid Thomas Massie’s comment is.’” He also referenced Johnson’s claim that Massie’s remark was “a nonsensical statement by someone who is not participating as a full member of Congress.”
“Here today to let you know I am a fully participating member of the House,” Massie stated. “When other people want to go home, I’m here to work. I’m here to get justice for Epstein victims and survivors. I am here to get food and fuel prices down for our constituents.”
Massie explained that he had introduced a discharge petition to pass the first Epstein Files Transparency Act last year. The measure passed the House 427-1 and was later signed by President Trump. However, Johnson recessed the House calendar to avoid the vote on the second act, as Massie had predicted.
Johnson then added a day to duck a vote on Hegseth’s impeachment. Massie introduced eight articles of impeachment against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, which he described as “watertight.” He stated that no one has challenged the articles, not even the “online brigade of paid media grifters.”
Massie also criticized Congress for recessing sessions to allow members time for campaign activities ahead of November’s midterm elections. He argued that the House should address pressing issues such as high gas prices caused by the ongoing conflict in Iran.
“The Hormuz Strait isn’t just shut down for American farmers who are paying more for fertilizer,” Massie said. “For American consumers, diesel is now $7 a gallon — and could hit $8 before the election. Why recess when we can do something about this?”
Massie urged Congress to withdraw from the Iran conflict and bring U.S. troops home to eliminate military bases that Iran’s missiles could reach. He stated that impeaching Hegseth was a necessary step to end the war.
Massie noted that his congressional career ends in January when new members are sworn in, replacing him with Israel-First GOP Representative Ed Gallrein, who won his seat after defeating Massie in May’s primary election. Massie attributed Gallrein’s victory to the Israel Lobby purchasing the seat because he opposed the war in Iran.