The fight over Jeffrey Epstein’s unreleased government files has intensified as several new developments converge on Capitol Hill. House Speaker Mike Johnson is under fire from Democrats for delaying the swearing-in of Adelita Grijalva, Arizona’s newly elected Democrat, who would likely provide the 218th signature needed to force a vote on a discharge petition requiring the release of Epstein’s records. Democrats argue the delay is politically motivated, pointing to instances where Republicans were sworn in within 24 hours of certification. The issue comes amid a PBS NewsHour/NPR/Marist poll showing nearly three-quarters of Americans want all Epstein files released and 61 percent disapprove of the Trump administration’s handling of the case, signaling broad bipartisan frustration with secrecy.

At the same time, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick sparked new controversy by publicly claiming Epstein avoided harsher punishment by handing over blackmail videos of powerful clients, calling him “the greatest blackmailer ever.” The remarks prompted Rep. Robert Garcia, the top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee, to announce plans to compel Lutnick to testify under oath about his comments. Democrats say the combination of Johnson’s delay, overwhelming public demand, and Lutnick’s statement highlights a pattern of obstruction and underscores the urgency for full transparency. With Grijalva still awaiting her seat, Lutnick facing potential testimony, and a discharge petition one vote short, the battle over Epstein’s files is set to remain a defining political fight in the weeks ahead.



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