Congress returns from recess to face Epstein files controversy again
The Epstein files continue to dominate Congress as lawmakers return to Capitol Hill after the summer recess. The issue has not ebbed, with House Republicans facing pressure to address the Epstein investigation head-on.
House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., and other lawmakers met with Epstein accusers just hours after returning to session, signaling that the issue is not going away anytime soon. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, R-Fla., believes that Jeffrey Epstein may have been an intelligence asset working for adversaries, further complicating the investigation.
Before the recess, Reps. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., and Ro Khanna, D-Calif., attempted to force a House vote on releasing the Epstein files, but were met with resistance from GOP leaders. Massie and Khanna are now deploying a “discharge petition” to bypass Speaker Johnson and force a debate and vote on the issue.
House Republicans are concerned about the potential vote and are taking measures to address the Epstein issue without taking a direct stance on it. Some members are pushing for maximum disclosure and transparency, while others are looking for political cover to avoid a direct vote tied to Epstein.
President Donald Trump has blamed Democrats for the ongoing Epstein investigation, calling it a hoax that never ends. However, Trump has long promised to release the files and has yet to take action on the matter.
As the Epstein saga continues to unfold, lawmakers are facing pressure to address the issue head-on and provide answers to the American people. The Epstein files have become a focal point in Congress, with both sides of the aisle grappling with how to approach the investigation and ensure that justice is served. The House Oversight Committee recently released thousands of documents related to the Jeffrey Epstein case, including a new video that fills in missing footage from Epstein’s jail cell on the night he died. However, some lawmakers are pushing for the release of even more material, arguing that redactions are being made to protect individuals’ reputations rather than victims.
One Republican, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, even threatened to publicly name those connected to Epstein if necessary. “I’m not afraid to name names,” she declared at a press conference. “So if they want to give me a list, I will walk into that Capitol on the House floor, and I’ll say every damn name that abused these women.”
Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna expressed surprise at Greene’s support, noting that they had never done a press conference together before. He suggested that Greene’s involvement indicated that the issue transcended partisan politics.
Meanwhile, Rep. Thomas Massie criticized House Speaker Mike Johnson for being seemingly torn between supporting President Trump’s stance against releasing certain files and seeking justice for Epstein’s victims. Massie accused Johnson of prioritizing Trump’s wishes over doing what is right.
The Epstein saga continues to unfold, with the House potentially facing a decision on whether to consider a resolution put forth by Massie and Khanna. This could further complicate the legislative agenda and impact routine legislation.
As the controversy surrounding Epstein persists, lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are grappling with how to navigate the complex and sensitive issues at hand. The release of additional documents and the potential naming of individuals involved could have far-reaching consequences for those implicated in the scandal.
Chad Pergram, a senior congressional correspondent for FOX News Channel, is closely following the developments in the Epstein case and will continue to provide updates on this ongoing investigation.
