The Congressional upheaval over the Jeffrey Epstein investigation deepened this week as Home Speaker Mike Johnson abruptly introduced an early finish to the legislative session, chopping it quick by in the future earlier than the scheduled August recess.Johnson displayed seen frustration with reporters on the Home GOP’s information convention on Tuesday, hanging the rostrum whereas expressing disbelief over how the Epstein matter derailed proceedings. “There isn’t any objective for Congress to push an administration to do one thing that they are already doing. And so that is for political video games,” he mentioned, quoted by ABC Information.Republicans have suspended all legislative exercise, successfully advancing the beginning of their five-week summer time break. Johnson blamed Democrats for the disruption, aligning his place with President Donald Trump‘s current feedback. Nonetheless, his remarks additionally appeared directed at critics inside his personal social gathering. “Some folks appear to get pleasure from attempting to inflict political ache on their very own teammates… It is a small, tiny handful, however one specifically is giving me numerous consternation. I do not perceive Thomas Massie’s motivation. I actually do not. I do not know the way his thoughts works,” ABC Information reported him saying.The controversy erupted after the GOP-led Guidelines Committee adjourned indefinitely on Monday night time, simply as Democrats moved to power a vote on bipartisan laws demanding the discharge of Epstein-related recordsdata. Consultant Thomas Massie criticised the adjournment and Johnson’s management. “Individuals have wished these recordsdata for years. The president’s workers, administration, his personal youngsters, his vp have promised that these recordsdata would come out, and now we’re being advised it is a hoax. It simply would not wash,” he advised ABC Information.Massie indicated plans to work with Democrats and some Republicans to attempt once more within the autumn. “You do not lose your base over one single factor, however [Trump’s] eroding his base. And extra importantly, if we do not take the suitable facet of this problem, it will value us votes within the midterms,” he warned.Home Republicans have now cancelled a number of votes on key laws, together with immigration and clear water payments, citing Democrats’ persistent makes an attempt to power votes on Epstein transparency.With Home enterprise halted, GOP leaders confirmed the chamber’s early departure. Remaining votes at the moment are scheduled for Wednesday afternoon, with Thursday’s votes cancelled.Additionally learn: Trump-Epstein ties beneath scrutiny- Sexual harassment allegations by Maria Farmer in 1996 resurface; White Home reactsWithin the Senate, Majority Chief John Thune deflected questions on the Epstein problem, saying, “I consider the president and the lawyer basic will make the suitable choices there with regard to that.”White Home Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt mentioned she was unaware of any direct dialogue with Speaker Johnson however reiterated the president’s view: “If the Division of Justice has credible proof, they need to launch it.”In the meantime, Home Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer plans to subpoena Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s convicted affiliate. A committee spokeswoman mentioned, “Since Ms. Maxwell is in federal jail, the Committee will work with the Division of Justice and Bureau of Prisons to determine a date when Committee can depose her.”The Justice Division has requested a federal choose to unseal grand jury information associated to Epstein, and in addition plans to interview Maxwell. Trump mentioned he had no information of the transfer however known as it “applicable.”Maxwell’s authorized crew has objected to the unsealing, requesting entry to the grand jury transcripts first. “We might equally prefer to assessment the grand jury transcripts at problem… to be able to craft a response and set out our place to the Courtroom,” her lawyer David Oscar Markus wrote.Maxwell, convicted of intercourse trafficking in 2022, is presently serving a 20-year sentence. The federal choose overseeing the Justice Division’s request indicated a swift ruling is predicted, although Maxwell’s opposition may complicate the timeline.
