Speaker Johnson Forces Early Recess to Block Epstein File Vote Amid Bipartisan Push

The U.S. House of Representatives concluded its legislative session prematurely last week, a move initiated by Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) that effectively blocked a bipartisan effort to force a vote on releasing extensive files related to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein. The unexpected early start to a five-week recess, leading into August, has drawn sharp criticism from Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) and Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA), who filed a discharge petition to compel the release of the unredacted documents.

Massie confirmed that Speaker Johnson’s decision to send lawmakers home early was widely seen as an attempt to prevent their petition from gaining enough signatures to ripen, thereby avoiding a contentious vote on the sensitive Epstein files. The petition seeks to make public the bulk of all investigative files, with the only redactions being those necessary to protect victims and prevent the release of child pornography. It explicitly does not consider redacting names of individuals not found or suspected of committing crimes.

Despite the procedural roadblock, Massie believes public pressure for transparency will intensify during the recess. He expressed disappointment at what he perceives as a “about-face” from the administration regarding the files, suggesting that the White House’s strategy of releasing “drips and drabs” of information will not appease the public.

The push for file release comes amidst ongoing friction between Massie and former President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly called for Massie’s political defeat and dismissed the Epstein file issue as a “hoax.” Massie, however, maintains that the public is not buying this narrative and speculates that the reluctance to release the full files stems from a desire to protect “rich and powerful friends” whose connections to Epstein could prove embarrassing.

This political maneuver underscores the persistent public demand for full disclosure regarding the Epstein case, a demand that is unlikely to wane despite congressional recess.

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