House members left Washington on 23/7, a day earlier than scheduled, to begin a five-week summer recess. Over the past week, the House failed to consider any bills, grinding to a halt as Republicans blocked efforts to demand the release of the "Epstein files."
Republican members of the House Rules Committee, which reviews legislation before it goes to the full House, did not meet for the second consecutive week. They were concerned about pressure from Democrats to hold a vote on the "Epstein files." Democrats on the committee have repeatedly pressed Republicans for a vote on the matter.
House Speaker Mike Johnson's decision to allow members to leave a day early means discussions about releasing the "Epstein files" will not take place until at least September, when members return to Washington after the recess.
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US House Speaker Mike Johnson in Washington on 22/7. Photo: AP |
US House Speaker Mike Johnson in Washington on 22/7. Photo: AP
This is seen as a tactical move to sidestep the frustration of many members, including some Republicans, after the Department of Justice announced it would not release the files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Marjorie Taylor Greene, a Republican representative and key ally of former President Donald Trump, criticized the decision. She said most calls to her office recently have been about the "Epstein files."
On 22/7, Republican Representative Tim Burchett introduced a resolution in the House Oversight Committee to subpoena Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein's former girlfriend who is currently serving a federal prison sentence, to testify. The resolution passed with broad support, and House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer will issue a subpoena to Maxwell "as soon as possible."
"I want justice for the thousands of young girls who were abused, and I want the evil people of this world to know that we will not tolerate it," Burchett said.
Speaker Johnson previously called for the release of the "Epstein files," stating that anyone involved in Epstein's crimes should be prosecuted and punished. However, on 22/7, he confirmed the House's early adjournment was intended to "avoid political games regarding the Epstein files." He emphasized that Republicans did not want to be pressured into a vote by Democrats and MAGA constituents.
Virginia Foxx, chair of the House Rules Committee, stated the committee would not hold any further meetings before September. This means the House will not vote on any legislation regarding the release of the "Epstein files" for the next five weeks.
Some Republicans expressed anger at the lack of action on releasing the "Epstein files" and threatened to address the issue before the House recess. However, it remains unclear what actions they might take.
The Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) previously released a memo concluding there was no evidence Epstein had a "client list," as has been rumored.
Trump supported this move and urged the Republican base to stop attacking the administration over the "Epstein files." Following significant criticism, Trump said he would ask the court to release grand jury testimony related to Epstein to end the "Democratic hoax."
Ngoc Anh (Via Washington Post, Hill, AP)
