Speaker Mike Johnson announced on Tuesday that he would curtail the week's legislative business, sending the House home early for summer recess to avoid votes on releasing documents related to accused sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein.
This decision was made to prevent Democrats from pushing for procedural votes that would compel the Justice Department to disclose the information. The move highlights the divisions within the Republican Party concerning the Epstein matter, as they aim to avoid a potentially damaging vote that could alienate President Trump and his supporters.
“We’re done being lectured on transparency,” Johnson expressed during a news conference, where he displayed visible frustration. He criticized the ongoing politicization of the Epstein investigation, asserting that the House would not engage in “political games.”
Originally, Republicans planned to vote on immigration, permitting bills, and a rollback of certain Biden-era regulations. However, the House Rules Committee—the influential panel that decides which legislation is presented to the floor—has been disrupted by the Epstein issue, with Democrats persistently requesting votes on it.
Democrats on the committee vowed to pursue a vote again this week as part of standard procedures for introducing unrelated legislation. Despite this, Republicans were hesitant to publicly address the matter, fearing backlash from constituents demanding the release of Epstein-related files.
The outcome has resulted in the House being unable to progress on significant legislation. Republicans now plan to conclude votes on noncontroversial bills by Tuesday and early Wednesday, with a recess anticipated by midafternoon on Wednesday.
Initially indicating a willingness to release the materials, Johnson later stated he would not arrange a vote on the Epstein files this summer, suggesting that Trump needed “space” to decide on the next steps. Although Johnson claimed House Republicans were united on the issue, internal disagreements were evident.
Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia voiced concerns, stating, “Crimes have been committed. If there’s no justice and no accountability, people are going to get sick of it.”
Similarly, Representative Ralph Norman of South Carolina criticized party leadership for “stalling” on the issue, insisting that “the American people deserve action, not excuses.” He called for a vote before the August recess.
Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky announced plans to bypass House Republican leadership to force a vote on the Epstein files in September, utilizing a discharge petition with Democratic support. Massie expressed frustration at the lack of urgency from leadership.
In response, Johnson remarked on Massie's approach, indicating confusion regarding his intentions and appearing dismissive of the urgency expressed by Massie and others.
Additionally, the House Oversight Committee voted on Tuesday to subpoena Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein's former partner, who is currently serving a 20-year sentence for sex trafficking. Representative Tim Burchett introduced the motion, supported by several Republican members who have called for greater transparency in the Epstein case.
Greene expressed doubt regarding Maxwell's testimony, suggesting that she might be negotiating for something in exchange, such as a presidential pardon.