Post Reports Congress returns to Epstein drama, shutdown threats, 2026 plans
25 snips
Sep 5, 2025 Mariana Sotomayor, a Congressional reporter for The Washington Post, and Naftali Bendavid, a senior national political correspondent, dive into the current political landscape. They discuss the push for transparency in the Jeffrey Epstein case, featuring bipartisan efforts for less-redacted documents. The looming government shutdown adds urgency to Congress's agenda, while the duo also explores how Democrats are strategizing for the 2026 midterms, navigating issues like voter turnout and redistricting. It's a captivating examination of politics at a critical juncture.
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Epstein Files Remained A Flashpoint
- The Epstein files fight resumed immediately after the August break and remained politically explosive.
- Much of the released material was previously public or heavily redacted, keeping controversy alive.
Bipartisan Push Challenges GOP Leadership
- A bipartisan but small group is pushing a discharge petition to compel fuller DOJ disclosure with fewer redactions.
- That effort directly challenges House GOP leadership's milder transparency resolution.
Survivors Press Publicly For Full Release
- Alleged Epstein survivors publicly backed the discharge petition and urged Trump to use his influence.
- Their appearance was meant to shift the debate from pure politics to victims' experiences.