House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., defended his decision to send the House into its August recess early rather than hold a politically contentious vote on releasing files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

“No one in Congress is blocking the Epstein documents,” Johnson said to reporters. “Republicans are preventing Democrats from making a mockery of the Rules Committee process because we refuse to engage in their political charade. That is what is happening, and nothing more.”

Johnson vowed that Congress would act if more information about the New York financier is not released over the August recess. He said there was no point in voting on releasing anything Epstein related while the Trump administration is working on unsealing grand jury information.

The Speaker said a bill proposed by Reps. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., and Ro Khanna, D-Calif., that would force the files to be released, has “problems.” Massie and Khanna’s bill, which has bipartisan support, would give the Trump administration 30 days to release “all unclassified records, documents, communications, and investigative materials” related to Epstein. 

Johnson previously said Republicans want “maximum transparency” on the Epstein files, but stressed that they have a “dual responsibility” to protect the innocent victims of his  “unspeakable sex crimes.”

Democrats are vowing to force votes on amendments so they can bring the Massie-Khanna resolution to a vote.

Johnson also doubted testimony from Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s co-conspirator would be useful.

 “Can she be counted on to tell the truth … can we trust what she’s going to say?” Johnson said.

Sam Barron ✉

Sam Barron has almost two decades of experience covering a wide range of topics including politics, crime and business.

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