House Democrats force Republicans to take vote after vote on Epstein files

Source: NBC News

July 24, 2025, 11:06 AM EDT / Updated July 24, 2025, 11:46 AM EDT


WASHINGTON — As the Republican-led House prepared to leave town for its summer recess, Democrats were united around one goal: forcing them over and over again to confront the Epstein issue that’s divided the GOP.

Across several committees Wednesday, Democrats brought up amendments on whether the government’s files on the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein should be released. It did not matter the focus of the panel, from oversight issues to financial services, Democrats forced the issue.

It’s part of a broader effort by Democrats to capitalize on a pain point for Republicans, a rare moment when President Donald Trump appears to be out of step with his base. Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., ultimately canceled the House’s final day of votes before recess after Democrats ground a key organizing committee to a halt with Epstein amendments. Members now head home to their districts for what Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., on Wednesday called “the Epstein recess.”

The flurry of Democratic amendment offerings in the House succeeded in one case Wednesday. A motion by Rep. Summer Lee, D-Pa., to compel the Justice Department to release files tied to Epstein was approved in a House Oversight subcommittee hearing. A committee spokesperson later said the subpoena will be issued but did not provide timing.

Read more: https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/house-democrats-force-republicans-vote-epstein-files-trump-rcna220606