Mike Johnson shuts Congress for summer to avoid dealing with Trump handling of Epstein files
Why Congress has closed early for summer amid Trump-Epstein discourse
- House Speaker Mike Johnson halted House proceedings to block Democratic attempts to force the release of files related to sex trafficking financier Jeffrey Epstein.
- Johnson accused Democrats of weaponising the Rules process, while this action occurred amidst ongoing criticism of Donald Trump's handling of promised Epstein file disclosures.
- The procedural halt risks the House's ability to pass crucial spending bills before the August recess, potentially leading to a government shutdown upon their return.
- Republicans faced disarray following a Justice Department memo stating no further Epstein disclosure was warranted and a report alleging a birthday card from Donald Trump to Epstein, which Donald Trump denied and sued over.
- A bipartisan discharge petition, led by Representatives Thomas Massie and Ro Khanna, is gaining traction to force a floor vote on the Epstein files, bypassing committee processes, with the vote expected in September after the recess.
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