As Congress returns, so does the Epstein scandal

Reps. Ro Khanna and Thomas Massie plan to quickly force a House vote ordering the Justice Department to release the Epstein files.

It is unclear whether the Justice Department would release the complete files, even if ordered to do so by Congress.

WASHINGTON — The ghost of Jeffrey Epstein is back in Washington as Congress prepares to return for the fall.

Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson called an early start to summer break in July, attempting to shut down bipartisan clamor for the full release of the Epstein files. But Democrats are eager to launch back into a scandal that has dogged President Trump and divided his MAGA base.

Rep. Ro Khanna, a California Democrat, plans to partner with Republican Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky to quickly force a vote on the House floor orde