

The Readback: Epstein drama dominates the House
Jul 26, 2025
The podcast dives into the controversy surrounding the Jeffrey Epstein files that have sparked intense debates in the House. It reveals the tug-of-war between Democrats advocating for transparency and Republicans trying to avoid contentious discussions. Listeners learn about the challenges faced by lawmakers amid this scandal, and the rare moments of bipartisan agreement in the push for subpoenas. Additionally, there's a peek into what politicians might be doing during recess, alongside some lighthearted tales from Capitol Hill.
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Epstein Files Stir Bipartisan Tension
- The Epstein files issue creates tension within Republicans balancing party anger and Trump’s desire to move on.
- Democrats push transparency but do not want to own the issue exclusively, making it bipartisan yet complex.
Republican Leadership Faces Optics Problem
- Optics of avoiding votes on Epstein files look bad for Republicans.
- Speaker Johnson is caught between appeasing Trump and members upset by the issue.
Cross-Party Moves on Epstein Subpoenas
- Some Republicans joined Democrats to subpoena the DOJ for Epstein files with victim protections.
- Republicans countered with motions subpoenaing Clinton, attorney generals, reflecting partisan gamesmanship.