Full Committee business meeting to consider the following: 1) H.Res. _____, Recommending that the House of Representatives find Leon David Black in Contempt of Congress for refusal to comply with subpoenas duly issued by the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
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House Oversight and Government Reform U.S. House of Representatives
Follow its sittingsRobert Garcia
We know this money enabled Epstein's activities for years, and we need to know how and if it led to the abuse of women and girls. We need to know about Leon Black and Jeffrey Epstein's financial dealings. We need to know about the role of the big banks. And we need for us as a committee focus on how we in the future combat money laundering and sex trafficking. This investigation is important and can lead to so much for the protection of women and girls across this country.
We also need to know about the involvement of other powerful and wealthy men and how law enforcement failed to protect survivors. We need to know about Mr. Black's knowledge of Epstein's inner circle and activities. We need to know why he used non-disclosure agreements to silence women connected to Jeffrey Epstein. But Leon Black is refusing to provide this information to Congress. Now, this committee has tried to work with him to get answers, but he's had no interest in cooperating.
And I do want to thank Chairman Comer for his efforts. We support and did support his efforts on these subpoenas, and they're absolutely the right thing to do to get to the truth. We should not allow Leon Black to defy congressional subpoenas. Our investigation is about fighting for the survivors of Epstein's abuse, and we're going to develop reforms and legal changes to ensure the system that allowed Jeffrey Epstein and his billionaire friends to continue their activities for years comes to an end. Now, Leon Black walked out of an interview with our committee.
He refused to turn over documents. He refused to show up and testify for the deposition. That's two congressional subpoenas now that he's defied. That's unacceptable to this committee. And unfortunately, billionaires like Leon Black believe that they are above the law.
Some of them certainly do. He believes that he is above this committee's oversight authority. He believes he is too powerful for Congress or the American people to touch. But we're going to stand up and remind Leon Black and the American people that subpoenas are not suggestions. Finally, I want to note that Leon Black certainly is not the only witness who has refused to answer our questions.
For example, of course, Alan Dershowitz has repeatedly said he would appear before this committee to talk about Jeffrey Epstein. But when given the opportunity, he's also backed out twice. Now, Dershowitz may have been the president's lawyer, but he's also not above the law in answering this committee's questions. Alan Dershowitz should come forward and tell the American people and our committee what he knows. And certainly today, this committee should be focused on Leon Black and moving this motion that's in front of us forward to the full House.
I thank Chairman Comer for his bipartisanship today, and I yield back.
James Comer
Gentleman yields back. Does any other member wish to be heard? Seeing none, the question is now on the amendment in the nature of a substitute to the report recommending the House of Representatives refer Leon D. Black for contempt of Congress. All those in favor signify by saying aye. Aye.
All those opposed signify by saying no.
In the opinion of the chair, the ayes have it and the amendment in the nature of substitute to the report is agreed to. The question is now in favor of reporting the House of Representatives refer Leon Black for contempt of Congress. The clerk will now call the roll on the report.
Aye.
Aye.
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Aye.
Mr. Chairman.
Miss Luna votes I.
Speaker 13
And Madam Clerk, we have one in the hallway walking in right now. You all have any more? Have all members been recorded who wish to be recorded?
Yes.
How has Mr. Jordan been recorded?
Mr. Jordan is not yet recorded.
Yes. Yes, I'm sorry.
Speaker 15
Mr. Fallon is not yet recorded. Mr. Fallon votes aye. Mr. Perry has not yet been recorded. Mr. Perry votes aye.
How has Mr. Palmer been recorded?
James Comer
Now, have all members been recorded who wish to be recorded? Does any member wish to change their vote? The clerk will now report the vote total.
James Comer
Pursuant to this vote, let me say the ayes have it and let the record note it was a unanimous vote. Pursuant to this vote, the committee hereby favorably reports and adopts this report recommending that the House of Representatives find Leon D. Black in contempt of Congress for refusal to comply with subpoenas duly issued by this committee. We will move the report to the full House. Without objection, the motion to reconsider is laid on the table. Pursuant to House Rule 11, Clause 2, committee members shall have the right to file with the clerk of the committee supplemental, additional, minority, and dissenting views within two days.
Without objection, so ordered. Additionally, the staff is authorized to make necessary technical and conforming changes to the report ordered reported today, subject to the approval of the minority. Without objection, so ordered. If no further business before the committee, without objection, the committee stands adjourned.