Daijiworld Media Network - Washington
Washington, Jul 23: In a surprise move that’s drawing attention from both sides of the political aisle, US House Speaker Mike Johnson announced the early adjournment of the House of Representatives on Wednesday, sending lawmakers home for the summer recess a day ahead of schedule. The decision, coming amid renewed scrutiny of Jeffrey Epstein-related documents, has only intensified the ongoing political firestorm.
Originally slated to adjourn on July 24, the House concluded its final votes on July 23 instead, cutting short its legislative calendar as bipartisan calls continue to mount for the release of sealed documents tied to Epstein — the disgraced financier and convicted sex offender whose death in 2019 remains shrouded in controversy.
According to media reports, Johnson acknowledged the growing demands but urged patience, noting that President Donald Trump had directed the Department of Justice (DOJ) to proceed as necessary. “The administration should be given the space to do what it is doing,” Johnson said, deflecting calls for immediate action.
Epstein, who maintained close ties with powerful figures in politics, finance, and entertainment, was arrested in 2019 on federal sex trafficking charges. He died in a New York prison later that year, in what was officially ruled a suicide — a conclusion that continues to fuel public skepticism and conspiracy theories.
During his 2024 presidential campaign, Trump had promised to make the Epstein case files public if elected again. However, that promise has hit a wall. Earlier this month, the DOJ and FBI issued a joint statement dismissing the possibility of any so-called “client list,” stating flatly that such a document does not exist and that no additional disclosures would be “appropriate or warranted.”
This stance has sparked backlash, including from Trump’s own supporters, some of whom have gone so far as to demand the resignation of US Attorney General Pam Bondi. Critics accuse the administration of backtracking on transparency and failing to uphold its commitment to accountability.
As lawmakers return to their districts for a five-week recess, questions surrounding the Epstein files continue to dominate headlines — and the pressure on Washington is far from over.