2:55 Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, R-La., responds to reporters’ inquiries regarding demands to disclose Jeffrey Epstein-related documents at the Capitol in Washington, Monday, July 21, 2025. J. Scott Applewhite/AP
The congressional uproar concerning the Jeffrey Epstein investigation shows no signs of fading after House Speaker Mike Johnson revealed plans to cut short the legislative session ahead of Congress’s August break.
Johnson expressed frustration to journalists—even slamming the podium—while questioning why the House had become entangled in the controversy, prompting Republicans to abandon legislative work this week and start their five-week summer recess a day early.
“There’s no reason for Congress to pressure an administration to take action when they’re already handling it. This is purely political theater,” Johnson stated during Tuesday’s House GOP press conference.
This decision followed a halt in proceedings by the GOP-led Rules Committee, which had been advancing unrelated bills, after Democrats declared their intention to push for a committee vote on bipartisan legislation demanding the Epstein documents’ release.
Republicans on the panel opted to adjourn the meeting, with lawmakers indicating no plans to reconvene. Some, like Rep. Thomas Massie, criticized the decision to suspend the session and took aim at Johnson.
The U.S. Capitol and Washington Monument stand behind RFK Stadium, undergoing demolition amid plans for a potential new NFL venue, in Washington, D.C., July 21, 2025. Jonathan Ernst/Reuters
“For years, people have demanded these documents. The president’s team, his administration, even his family and vice president have pledged to release them. Now we’re being told it’s a hoax. That makes no sense,” Massie remarked to ABC News on Tuesday.
Massie said he still intends to collaborate with Democrats and a few Republicans later this fall to push for a vote on legislation releasing Epstein-related files.
“You don’t lose your base over a single issue, but [Trump’s] support is eroding. More importantly, if we don’t stand on the right side of this, it could hurt us in the midterms,” Massie added.
Johnson blamed Democrats for stirring controversy, mirroring recent remarks by former President Donald Trump, though he seemed particularly irked by Massie’s critiques.
“Some seem to relish inflicting political damage on their own team. I won’t name anyone, but a select few are especially frustrating. One in particular is causing me significant frustration,” he said. “I don’t grasp Thomas Massie’s motives. Truly, I don’t. His thinking is a mystery to me.”
Rep. Ralph Norman, R-S.C., stated that he and fellow Republicans on the committee opposed voting on Democrats’ Epstein-related amendments, dismissing the effort as “grandstanding.”
House Republicans canceled votes this week on key measures, including immigration and clean water bills, as Democrats persisted in pushing for votes to release Epstein materials.
Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, R-La., addresses media questions concerning calls to disclose Jeffrey Epstein-related documents at the Capitol in Washington, Monday, July 21, 2025. J. Scott Applewhite/AP
With the House at a standstill, GOP leaders announced Tuesday that lawmakers would depart for a five-week recess a day early. Scheduled Thursday votes were canceled, with the final session now set for Wednesday afternoon.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune sidestepped questions about the Epstein matter, deferring to the Trump administration and relevant Senate committee leaders when asked about further involvement.
“I trust the president and attorney general will make the right call on this,” he said.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, asked about Johnson’s refusal to hold a vote on releasing the files, stated, “I’m not aware of any direct discussions with the speaker. But as always, we maintain communication with House leadership. The president has said that if the DOJ has credible evidence, they should release it.”
President Donald Trump speaks during a meeting with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at the White House, July 22, 2025. Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
Elsewhere, House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer intends to swiftly subpoena Ghislaine Maxwell, according to a committee spokesperson.
“Since Ms. Maxwell is incarcerated, the Committee will coordinate with the DOJ and Bureau of Prisons to schedule her deposition,” the spokesperson said in a Tuesday statement.
When questioned about the DOJ’s plan to interview Maxwell, Trump said he was unaware but remarked, “That seems appropriate.”
Maxwell’s attorneys have petitioned a federal judge to review grand jury testimony before determining whether to support its public release.
In a letter, Maxwell’s legal team noted that Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche does not object to granting them access to the transcripts.
“As Ms. Maxwell’s counsel, we request review of the grand jury transcripts (which we have not seen in full) to formulate our response and position for the Court,” wrote her attorney David Oscar Markus.
The unusual legal scenario arises as DOJ lawyers seek to unseal grand jury records tied to Epstein and interview Maxwell. Any objection from her could further delay the potential release.
Maxwell was sentenced to 20 years in prison in 2022 for sex trafficking and related offenses.
Earlier Tuesday, the judge overseeing the DOJ’s request to unseal the records pledged to rule “swiftly,” though Maxwell’s stance could influence the decision.
ABC News’ Tierra Cunningham, James Hill, and Peter Charalambous contributed to this report.
Sourse: abcnews.go.com
