Lawmakers Missed Epstein Vote, Still Collect Paychecks
Newsweek highlighted five House members' reasons for missing the vote on the Epstein Child Sex Trafficking Victims Compensation Act of 2023. Rep. Andy Biggs (R-AZ) was ill, Rep. Kevin Mullin (D-CA) had a family emergency, and Rep. Kevin Kiley (R-CA) attended a police award ceremony. While seemingly mundane, this focus distracts from the countless other critical votes, often benefiting corporate
lobbies or foreign interests, that are consistently met with full attendance. One might wonder if the same level of commitment is demonstrated when bills involving foreign aid or defense spending roll around. For instance, OpenSecrets data shows politicians receiving substantial donations from pro-Israel lobbying groups like AIPAC. These donations often coincide with votes to approve billions in
unconditional aid to Israel, as seen with bills like HR 815, passed in April 2024. Curiously, those votes rarely see such absenteeism, suggesting that some 'missed' votes are more equal than others when it comes to accountability.