House Republicans Start August Recess Early Amid Epstein Files Dispute

House Speaker Mike Johnson has abruptly ended the House's legislative week early and sent members home for their August recess to avoid a potential floor vote on releasing government files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The bipartisan effort, led by GOP Rep. Thomas Massie and Democrat Rep. Ro Khanna, seeks to compel the Justice Department and FBI to make all Epstein-related documents public, but Johnson insists the White House needs "space" to release materials independently and dismisses the push as political gamesmanship. This decision has caused friction within the Republican ranks, especially among President Donald Trump's supporters, many of whom believe the government is withholding information despite official statements denying evidence of wrongdoing by prominent individuals. The House Rules Committee blocked a vote on the transparency resolution, and a discharge petition led by Massie aims to force a vote after the recess. Meanwhile, a GOP-led House Oversight subcommittee has moved to subpoena Epstein's former associate Ghislaine Maxwell. The dispute highlights divisions within the GOP and growing pressure for transparency on the Epstein investigation.