Epstein accusations fly in Senate after César Chávez Monument row
CNBC • • nation
Key Points:
- Senators Mike Lee and Martin Heinrich clashed over a bill to defund and close the César Chávez National Monument after allegations surfaced that Chávez sexually abused women and minors.
- Heinrich opposed the bill, arguing that while the monument's name should be changed, the legacy of the farm labor movement should be preserved, proposing a temporary closure and a new monument.
- Lee and Sen. John Cornyn condemned Heinrich's stance, highlighting the monument as a site of abuse and linking the debate to broader sexual misconduct issues in Washington, including the recent release of Jeffrey Epstein files.
- The spat escalated when Lee shared a 2012 email inviting Epstein to lunch with Heinrich, who denied ever meeting Epstein or accepting campaign contributions from him.
- Heinrich's office stated the email had been previously reported, maintaining that he had no direct connection with Epstein despite the invitation.
