Texas Democrats are sharply criticizing House Republicans following House Speaker Mike Johnson’s (R) decision to call an early recess, which is reportedly to avoid a vote on releasing the Epstein files.
This week, the House was scheduled for several floor votes, but growing calls to release the Epstein files has sent House members home early. Democrats were reportedly going to force a vote on legislation that would see the release of the Epstein documents, which caused House Speaker Johnson to make the move.
Texas Democratic Party Chairman Kendall Scudder (D) issued a fiery statement in response to House Speaker Johnson’s decision, accusing Republicans of protecting powerful predators.
“I guess I don't understand the hold-up – do Congressional Republicans not believe that child predators should be held accountable?” Chair Scudder questioned. “Texans deserve elected officials who stand up for justice, not those who cower and protect their political buddies.”
Chair Scudder alleged that the early recess was a tactic to prevent public scrutiny of potential connections between Jeffrey Epstein and high-profile political figures, including President Donald Trump (R).
“Texas Congressional Republicans have once again shown their true colors,” he continued, “fleeing the Capitol rather than releasing the Epstein files in an attempt to shield known sex predator Donald Trump.”
The Democrat chair also linked the issue to broader economic concerns, criticizing the GOP for supporting what he called “the largest reverse Robin Hood wealth redistribution in American history,” referring to Trump-era budget policies.
The Epstein List has cast a looming shadow over the Trump Administration as the president campaigned on releasing the information. However, in recent weeks, the president appears to have shifted course, even suggesting that his supporters are “weaklings” if they’re pushing for the release of the files.
The president's response has drawn backlash from both sides of the aisle, who want to see the information released.
