CNN
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Speaker Mike Johnson said Monday that despite the tremendous pressure from some of his own Republican members, he did not intend to vote on any measures related to the Jeffrey Epstein case in the last week of Washington.
President Donald Trump’s most loyal supporters in Congress have been urging party leaders to allow votes to show transparency in their support for the surrounding Epstein legend — a problem that still makes the Magka Base animation even as Trump repeatedly tries to blame Democrats for driving the flames.
The House has forced the Trump administration to put materials against their materials that would represent his base’s outstanding condemnation of the president. However, there is little motivation to move forward in the party leadership on Capitol Hill this time.
Johnson told CNN on Monday that all would not vote on pending measures for members of their own party until the Chamber of Commerce’s August of Epstein box office, which required the release of additional Epstein archives, which was scheduled to begin on the weekend, Johnson told CNN on Monday.
“My belief is that we need the government to have room to do what it is doing, and if further Congressional action is necessary or appropriate, then we will take that into account, but I don't think we are at that time now because we agree with the president's consent.”
Johnson agreed with Republican reservations as part of last week's deal to approve the White House's cancellation of packages, allowing the House Rules Committee to raise the non-binding resolution, demanding the release of the Epstein archive. But it is not clear whether the measure will enter the House, and Johnson stands firmly behind Trump.
Johnson said: “There is no sunlight between the House Republicans and the President…there is no sunlight between the House and the President.
Still, bipartisan members, led by Kentucky Rep. Thomas Massie, are seeking to bypass Johnson and force a vote on a separate bill to request the release of documents. Massie will need most members of the House to sign the so-called discharge petition to force the floor to vote.
It will not be successful until after Labor Day, and if Masi succeeds, this measure will be considered.
Johnson's leadership team privately signaled that they would not propose any Epstein measures this week, two Republicans familiar with the matter told CNN.
Now, ten House Republicans have signed up for Mussi's measure – which will trigger a full vote in the Republican-controlled House if all Democrats support it. But don't expect a new series of documents to be released immediately.
A vote forced the entire House to consider the effort until workers after Labor Day return from their five-week summer leave as early as the first time. That's because Massi and Rep. Rohanna, Democratic California, are using a discharge petition.
The operation of the program takes seven legislative days to formally collect the necessary signatures. Once they proved the support of 218 members, it would force party leaders to bring it to the floor.
Trump's attorney general has requested the publication of jury materials – which could also be a slow effort and requires court approval. However, the measures in Massachusetts and Karnar are further developed, requiring the Trump administration to release “all unclassified records, documents, communications and investigation materials” related to Epstein within 30 days.
This will also require the White House to release “a list of all administration officials and a list of people mentioned or mentioned in the release materials” – a list that Trump’s base calls for.
Karnar had previously told CNN's Jake Tapper that he would provide “all 212 Democrats” on the measure. While many Democrats have previously condemned the promotion of conspiracy theories about Epstein, in recent days they have pushed for greater transparency, believing that Trump is working to protect himself and aims to further push the wedge between Trump and his base.
“Why do we think President Joe Biden or Barack Obama's name is cited because Donald Trump is afraid and the Trump administration is afraid. They hide in the American people and release archives so that Americans can make their own decisions,” House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries told reporters at a press conference Monday.
With all Democrats’ efforts, 10 Republicans will be enough to meet the necessary 218 thresholds. Along with Massie, the Republicans already on board are: Reps. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, Tim Burchett of Tennessee, Eric Burlison of Missouri, Lauren Boebert of Colorado, Jeff Van Drew of New Jersey, Eli Crane of Arizona, Cory Mills of Florida, Tom Barrett of Michigan, Max Miller of Ohio and Nancy Mace of South Carolina.
“I think the momentum will be based on transparency. I don't think that will go away,” Massie told CNN on Monday. “And I think we'll get the second phase of the Epstein document when we return in September.”
Of course, the move could end like many things in Congress—a lot of talk and some corresponding action was taken. Last week, Republicans voted to approve $9 billion in spending cuts on foreign aid and public broadcasts, something Trump debated while debating the Epstein case. They resolved the resolution that non-constrained resolution requires the issuance of other documents – which would not immediately force Johnson to be not authorized for any lawsuit.
However, even continuing to talk about the Epstein case could annoy Trump. Last weekend, the president appeared to acknowledge the stubbornness of the subject, as he pointed out that he had ordered the release of grand jury materials.
“That being said, even if the court gives a comprehensive and unwavering recognition, there is nothing that can claim for troublemakers and radical left LUNATICS. It will always be more, more, more. Maga!” Trump wrote on his Truth Social Platform.
But the conservatives and moderate Republicans chorus — including some of the president’s closest allies, such as Green — raised their demands for more information on Monday.
Greene told CNN Greene that “people want this information. They don’t want things to be overshadowed, especially when it comes to the most famous pedophile in modern history,” CNN noted that the “highest volume” of recent composition calls to her office was about Epstein.
Green’s frustration with Trump, even his own supporters, didn’t move forward from Epstein, who said she really liked Trump and thought “he had a big pulse on things,” but “on this issue, the American people really want to see transparency.”
“I think sunshine is a good medicine,” Rep. Don Bacon, a Republican of the Swing Area, recently announced his retirement, agrees, telling CNN that he will vote for an independent bill to urge the administration to release more Epstein’s message. “I think there are too many conspiracy theories, it’s better to light it up.”
Bacon said he thinks the Trump administration “misleading” Americans to think there is more to the Epstein case, adding: “It’s a great lesson for everyone. It’s better to let your powder dry and don’t talk until you have the facts.”
The Justice Department announced earlier this month that even if Bondi teased the information on her desk, there was no Epstein's “customer list” and that the defendant's sex trafficker was not murdered in prison.
Nebraska Republicans noted that Congress has oversight and that “interested people” will have the opportunity to question Bundy before the committee that oversees the Justice Department.
This story has been updated and additional details are provided.
CNN's Morgan Rimmer, Nicky Robertson, Arlette Saenz and Jenna Monnin contributed to the report.