Is the Shutdown Being Used to Stall an Epstein Files Vote?
In a recent segment, comedian Jimmy and Kurt Metzger discussed a theory gaining traction in Washington: that House Speaker Mike Johnson is leveraging the government shutdown to block a vote on releasing Jeffrey Epstein’s files. They referenced statements by Representative Thomas Massie suggesting there are enough votes for a discharge petition to force the issue — but Johnson is allegedly keeping Congress in recess to prevent it.
At the center of the discussion is newly elected Congresswoman Adelita Grijalva. She has publicly said she will vote to release the Epstein documents, but she has not yet been sworn in. That delay has fueled claims that the Speaker is interfering for political reasons.
Below is a breakdown of the players, the issue, the evidence, and the arguments — letting you weigh what seems plausible.
What’s Going On
The Epstein Files & the Discharge Petition
-
Representative Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) is spearheading a discharge petition aimed at forcing a House vote to compel the Justice Department to release documents tied to Jeffrey Epstein.
-
To succeed, the petition needs 218 signatures (a majority) to bring the matter to the floor.
-
Advocates say that many members are ready to sign, and that the final signature would come from Adelita Grijalva, a Democrat who just won a special election and pledged to support the effort.
If Grijalva signs, the petition would hit the required threshold and force a floor vote on disclosure of Epstein-related documents.
Adelita Grijalva, the Delay, and Accusations
-
Grijalva won the special election on September 23, 2025, replacing her late father, Raúl Grijalva.
-
However, she has not been sworn in yet, which means she cannot vote, begin committee work, or be officially active as a Congresswoman.
-
Critics argue the delay is deliberate. They say that Johnson is stalling to prevent her from adding the pivotal 218th signature.
-
Johnson’s office rejects that claim. The Speaker has said the delay is due to the current government shutdown and procedures, not political motivation.
-
Supporters of Grijalva point out precedent: earlier this year, two Florida Republicans were sworn in rapidly during pro forma sessions, even when the House was technically out of session.
Some critics view Johnson’s actions as inconsistent: they argue that in similar prior circumstances, new members were seated quickly.
The Shutdown & Recess Strategy
-
The U.S. government is in partial shutdown due to funding impasses. During this time, many legislative actions are paused.
-
Johnson has kept the House in recess, citing lack of legislative business and the shutdown environment. The decision suspends many regular sessions.
-
Critics allege this recess is not merely procedural: it’s a political maneuver to delay moves that might force disclosure of Epstein files.
-
Johnson counters that swearing in and votes must wait until the House is back in formal session, and that the shutdown is the barrier.
What Happens Next & What to Watch
-
Grijalva must be sworn in before she can sign the discharge petition. When she is, the petition could immediately reach the threshold to force a House vote.
-
If the petition clears, the House would take up the issue of releasing the Epstein documents. Whether it passes is another question, especially in the Senate and via presidential approval.
-
Political pressure is mounting. Senators Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego publicly confronted Johnson over the delay.
-
Public scrutiny of the Epstein files and what they contain continues, keeping media and activists engaged.
Please Like & Share 😉🪽
@1TheBrutalTruth1 Oct 2025 Copyright Disclaimer under Section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976: Allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education, and research.
Comments
Post a Comment