In a recent announcement, Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson confirmed that the lower chamber will not address the issue of a potential release of the Jeffrey Epstein files before the summer break, as the Washington Examiner reports.

The decision, emerging from ongoing discussions and considerations within the House, delays any potential public disclosure of documents related to Epstein, a deceased financier known for his sex trafficking conviction and related controversies.

The halt will last at least until Congress returns to session after its late summer recess.

Resolution on hold

Despite the Trump administration encountering scrutiny over its handling of the Epstein documents, the House Rules Committee moved forward last week with a resolution calling on the White House to release further details pertaining to Epstein.

However, the measure does not compel a public release.

President Donald Trump, initially dismissive of the focus on Epstein by the media, has pivoted, urging Attorney General Pam Bondi to release any substantiated and relevant evidence associated with Epstein.

The bipartisan effort for transparency has been championed by Reps. Thomas Massie (R-KY) and Ro Khanna (D-CA).

The pair of lawmakers introduced a petition demanding the release of the Epstein files within a tight 30-day timeframe.

Increasing pressure for swift action emerges

Massie has made heartfelt appeals to Johnson, pressing for a vote on this legislation before the impending five-week recess.

"We should not punt this until after the five-week recess," he articulated, underscoring the urgency of the situation.

The petition requires an ambitious 218 signatures to move forward, a goal that remains unmet as the recess looms.

Johnson, however, reassures that the alignment between House Republicans and the White House regarding transparency over the Epstein documents remains firm.

This aligns with actions from the Justice Department, which has requested the unsealing of grand jury testimony transcripts related to Epstein and his associate Ghislaine Maxwell's prosecutions in an effort to bolster transparency.

Key figures may testify

Maxwell, now imprisoned and previously a close associate of Epstein, has indicated readiness to testify before Congress about her connections to Epstein, potentially shedding more light on his operations.

Alan Dershowitz, a former attorney of Epstein's, has voiced strong support for Maxwell’s potential congressional testimony.

He emphasized her deep knowledge of Epstein's affairs, suggesting that her cooperation could be pivotal.

"She knows everything, and if she were just given use immunity, she could be compelled to testify," he remarked.

As both legislative and judicial gears turn, attention intensifies on the potential implications of these disclosures, which promise to reveal more about Epstein’s extensive and secretive network.