House Democrats Stumble Republicans Over Epstein Vote

On Monday, Democrats in the House of Representatives put Republicans in a tough spot by declining to support Arizona’s newly elected officials, claiming GOP leaders were hesitant to vote on matters related to Jeffrey Epstein.

“The Bulls continue,” remarked Rep. Jim McGovern (D-Mass.) while addressing reporters.

During a pro-forma session, McGovern, a senior member of the House Rules Committee, urged Republican members to commit to the election of Adelita Grijalva (D-Ariz.), who recently won a special election in Arizona but hasn’t yet been sworn in.

Rep. Virginia Fox (R-N.C.), the chairperson of the Rules Committee, was presiding over the House during this brief session. Ignoring McGovern’s appeal, she promptly ended the session without openly addressing his request.

Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) had previously used similar sessions to swear in newly elected members this year. However, he stated that he would not do so for Grijalva, insisting she would be sworn in once the House reconvenes.

Grijalva pledged to be a crucial vote for a discharge petition aimed at compelling a House vote on legislation that would mandate the release of all government records related to child sex offenders, which has led to accusations that Johnson is dodging decisions regarding Epstein.

“This is outrageous,” McGovern declared. “We’ve got the White House undermining our democracy, and now the chairperson is engaging in similar behavior.”

He further added, “This is all about continuing the cover-up regarding Epstein.”

In light of these allegations, Johnson canceled all House votes after the government shutdown began on October 1, coinciding with Grijalva’s election victory. Advocates for the Epstein petition believe that signing it could advance the underlying bill within nine days.

Johnson asserted that the House would return to session once the Senate approved a halted funding bill aimed at reopening the government.

“They’re not bringing us back because they’re afraid of these discharge petitions,” Johnson stated.

The Speaker has dismissed legislative measures urging the Trump administration to unveil the Epstein Files, suggesting that a more suitable method to untangle the complex issues surrounding Epstein is through House oversight and the Government Reform Committee.

Supporters of the legislative approach argue that the oversight panel hasn’t received information that the Trump Justice Department aims to keep under wraps. They point out that Trump, who had connections with Epstein years ago, appears to be shielding his allies and affluent Republican contributors.

Grijalva, meanwhile, expressed that the delay in her oath seems connected to legislative decisions regarding Epstein.

“As a Chicana woman of color from Tucson, I don’t believe these factors solely account for the delay, apart from the clear reference to the Epstein files and this administration’s lack of transparency,” she commented in a statement to CNN. “It seems Johnson’s recent decision to close votes is aimed at sidestepping discussions about the Epstein Files, indicating a notable link.”