House Speaker Mike Johnson announced Monday that Congress will not vote on releasing Jeffrey Epstein-related documents before the August recess.
According to Breitbart, the decision comes after the House Rules Committee had previously advanced the measure last week.
The Louisiana Republican emphasized there is complete alignment between House Republicans and President Trump regarding transparency in the Epstein case. Johnson explained that the administration needs more time to process the files, despite growing pressure for their immediate release.
President Trump has requested Attorney General Pam Bondi to obtain all relevant grand jury testimony in the Epstein case. The president characterized the controversy as a Democratic "scam" in a recent Truth Social post, indicating his commitment to full disclosure.
Attorney General Bondi responded swiftly to Trump's directive, confirming their readiness to petition the court. The Justice Department's involvement signals a significant shift in how the federal government is handling the sensitive Epstein documents.
The DOJ and FBI recently released findings indicating no evidence of an Epstein client list, concluding that the convicted sex offender had died by suicide. These developments have sparked renewed interest in the case's documentation.
Speaker Johnson defended the delay, emphasizing the need for proper administrative procedures. He indicated that Congress would consider additional action if necessary, but maintained that such intervention is currently premature.
The House Rules Committee's previous advancement of the measure suggested momentum toward a vote. However, with Congress preparing for its August recess beginning Thursday, the timeline for document release remains unclear.
Johnson's announcement has generated mixed reactions from lawmakers and the public. The decision reflects a broader debate about the handling of sensitive information related to the Epstein case.
President Trump has expressed support for Attorney General Bondi's approach to the situation. The president drew parallels to previous investigations, referencing what he characterized as politically motivated inquiries.
Trump specifically mentioned former FBI Director Comey and previous administrations in his critique. He praised Bondi's handling of the situation while emphasizing the importance of releasing only credible information.
The administration's stance suggests a measured approach to document release. This strategy prioritizes verification and legal procedures over immediate disclosure.
The House's decision to postpone the vote marks a significant development in the ongoing Epstein document controversy. The delay aligns with the administration's request for additional time to properly review and process the sensitive materials.
Congressional leaders have indicated they will reassess the situation after the August recess. The coordination between House leadership and the Trump administration suggests a unified approach to handling the Epstein files.
The timeline for document release now depends largely on the administration's review process and potential court proceedings. This development represents the latest chapter in the complex effort to bring transparency to the Epstein case.
