House paralyzed over Epstein files for 2nd week in a row

Another week, another stalemate in the House of Representatives over releasing the Jeffrey Epstein files.

The GOP-led Rules Committee -- which was working on advancing a slate of unrelated bills -- came to a halt Monday evening because Democrats announced their plan to force a committee vote on bipartisan legislation that would call for the release of the Epstein files.

Republicans on the panel decided to recess the meeting with lawmakers saying there were no plans to reconvene at all.

"People have wanted these files for years. The president's staff, administration, his own children, his Vice President have promised that these files would come out, and now we're being told it's a hoax. It just doesn't wash," Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky, told ABC News Tuesday.

Massie confirmed he still intends to try to work with Democrats and a handful of Republicans to force a vote on legislation to release Epstein-related files. Procedurally the earliest that could take place is likely after the August recess.

"You don't lose your base over one single thing, but [Trump's] eroding his base. And more importantly, if we don't take the right side of this issue, it's going to cost us votes in the midterms," he said.

Republican Rep. Ralph Norman said Monday he and the other Republicans on the committee did not want to vote on Democrats' Epstein amendments, calling the effort "grandstanding."

Majority Leader Steve Scalise told reporters it was "unlikely" the committee would meet this week at all.

"We've got a very busy week this week. Democrats sat on it and covered up for Epstein for four years so clearly they have no credibility," he said.

This means that House Republicans will not hold votes this week on several key measures, including an immigration bill and legislation to establish new ZIP codes, because Democrats on the panel continue to force tough votes over releasing the Epstein files.

With the House floor paralyzed, House GOP leaders announced on Tuesday that the chamber is leaving for August recess earlier than expected. Republicans scrapped votes for Thursday with final votes now slated for Wednesday afternoon.

Meanwhile, House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer plans to subpoena Ghislaine Maxwell "as expeditiously as possible," according to a committee spokeswoman.

"Since Ms. Maxwell is in federal prison, the Committee will work with the Department of Justice and Bureau of Prisons to identify a date when Committee can depose her," the spokeswoman said in a statement Tuesday.