In an unexpected decision, US House Speaker Mike Johnson adjourned the chamber, pushing the critical vote on Jeffrey Epstein-related documents to September, amidst bipartisan calls for disclosure.
US House Speaker Halts Vote on Epstein Documents Amid Growing Pressure
US House Speaker Halts Vote on Epstein Documents Amid Growing Pressure
Mike Johnson's early adjournment stalls the push for transparency on Epstein case documents.
US House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson has made headlines by adjourning the chamber earlier than planned, effectively sidelining efforts to release contentious documents connected to the disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein. This unexpected tactic delays a politically charged vote, which was set against a backdrop of increasing bipartisan demands for transparency. The move comes after a pivotal committee vote that sought to subpoena Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein's former associate, to testify before Congress.
The urgency surrounding the declassification of Epstein-related files has intensified, with supporters of President Donald Trump joining in the call for accountability. Earlier on Tuesday, the US Department of Justice indicated it wanted to meet with Maxwell to gather insights on the case, posing questions like, "What do you know?" Maxwell's legal representatives confirmed ongoing discussions with the government and asserted her commitment to testify truthfully.
Amid rising pressure from both Democratic and some Republican lawmakers for a vote on releasing Epstein-related information within 30 days, Johnson declared an official recess, postponing activities until September. In his defense, he accused Democrats of engaging in "political games," emphasizing that his party was no longer willing to be lectured on matters of transparency. This strategic move aims to address internal divisions within the Republican Party regarding the sensitive issue of disclosures surrounding Epstein.
Calls for transparency are not limited to legislators; factions of Trump's Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement are particularly upset following the Department of Justice and FBI's conclusion on July 6 that Epstein did not maintain a "client list" that could implicate high-profile figures, nor did he undergo any foul play leading to his death. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche affirmed this assessment, underlining that a comprehensive review disclosed "no evidence" warranting further investigations against unnamed third parties.
In a recent statement to reporters from the Oval Office, President Trump echoed sentiments suggesting that an interview with Maxwell would be "appropriate," although he asserted he didn't possess detailed knowledge about the case. Critiques have arisen within the MAGA sphere regarding the timing of the Justice Department’s proposed meeting with Maxwell, particularly from influencers like Laura Loomer, who questioned why such discussions weren't initiated earlier.
Epstein, a convicted sex offender, tragically died by suicide in a New York prison in 2019 while awaiting trial on sexual trafficking charges. As for Maxwell, who is serving a 20-year sentence for her role in Epstein's activities, her attorney commended President Trump for his commitment to unearthing the truth surrounding the case. Earlier this year, Maxwell also sought a Supreme Court review of her case, a request that the Justice Department has recently pushed to reject.
Testimonies during Maxwell's 2022 trial included accounts from four women who described their abuse as minors at Epstein's various properties across the United States. One victim, Annie Farmer, shared with the BBC that the ongoing tumult surrounding Epstein's case continues to weigh heavily on accusers, expressing frustration at the lack of substantial new information emerging, which leaves her feeling "used."
