US House speaker shuts down chamber to block Epstein vote

July 22, 2025

US House Speaker Mike Johnson abruptly adjourned the chamber early, delaying a vote on releasing Jeffrey Epstein-related documents until September amid growing bipartisan pressure for transparency. This decision followed a committee vote to subpoena Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein's associate currently serving a 20-year prison sentence for helping him abuse young girls. The Justice Department has requested a meeting with Maxwell and confirmed plans to speak with her soon, while stating their recent review found "no evidence to predicate an investigation against uncharged third parties.

Who is affected

Members of the US House of Representatives
Jeffrey Epstein's victims, including Annie Farmer and three other women who testified at Maxwell's trial
Ghislaine Maxwell, currently serving a 20-year prison sentence
Both Democratic and Republican lawmakers facing pressure for transparency
President Trump and his supporters, particularly from the MAGA movement
The Department of Justice and FBI facing scrutiny over their handling of the case

What action is being taken

The Justice Department is arranging a meeting with Ghislaine Maxwell to question her about what she knows
Maxwell's legal team is in discussions with the government about her testimony
US House Speaker Mike Johnson has adjourned the House early, delaying the vote on releasing Epstein files
President Trump has directed Attorney General Pam Bondi to petition for the release of relevant grand jury testimony
The Justice Department is conducting reviews of FBI records related to the Epstein case

Why it matters

The handling of Epstein-related documents has become a politically charged issue with bipartisan demands for transparency
There is significant public interest in whether Epstein's associates could be implicated in crimes
The early adjournment reveals divisions within the Republican party over managing disclosures in the Epstein case
Maxwell's potential testimony could provide new information about Epstein's network and activities
Victims like Annie Farmer express that the ongoing "rollercoaster" of the Epstein saga creates a "real weight" on accusers, with too much focus on abusers

What's next

The House of Representatives is expected to reconvene in September after the summer recess, when the vote on releasing Epstein-related files will likely be addressed.

Read full article from source: BBC