House overwhelmingly votes to release Epstein files

Calley Means, a close associate of Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has been appointed to a senior position at the Department of Health and Human Services. In this new role, Means will act as a liaison between the Make America Healthy Again movement and President Trump's broader MAGA coalition. This appointment is seen as a strategic move to align health initiatives with the political agenda of the Trump administration.

Former President Donald Trump is intensifying pressure on Indiana lawmakers to redraw congressional district maps in anticipation of the 2026 midterm elections. This redistricting effort is seen as crucial for the Republican Party's strategy to regain control of the House of Representatives. Trump's involvement highlights the ongoing political maneuvering within the party as it seeks to consolidate power ahead of the elections.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has announced plans to appeal a federal court ruling that prohibits the use of a newly drawn congressional map favored by the GOP for the 2026 midterm elections. The court found that the map, which was designed to enhance Republican representation, could not be implemented due to concerns over its fairness and potential racial gerrymandering. Abbott defended the map, asserting it reflects the conservative voting preferences of Texans.

The House voted overwhelmingly to pass legislation requiring the Justice Department to release all records related to Jeffrey Epstein, the late convicted sex offender. This decision follows a reversal by President Donald Trump, who had previously opposed the measure but urged Republicans to support it. The bill now moves to the Senate for further consideration.

The House passed a resolution on Tuesday to censure Rep. Chuy García (D-Ill.) due to the controversial timing of his retirement announcement, introduced by Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-Wash.). The resolution received support from 23 Democrats, highlighting divisions within the Democratic Party. The vote concluded with 236 in favor, 183 against, and 4 abstentions. García is accused of undermining the democratic process, raising concerns about party unity and leadership dynamics.

The House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly to release all files related to the investigation of Jeffrey Epstein, a disgraced financier. This near-unanimous decision follows a significant shift in stance from President Donald Trump and Republican allies, who had previously resisted such measures. The vote comes amid growing pressure from various stakeholders, including Epstein's victims, for transparency regarding the extensive documentation surrounding his criminal activities.

Hanan Elatr-Khashoggi, the widow of murdered journalist Jamal Khashoggi, criticized President Trump for undermining her husband's legacy during a visit from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Khashoggi, a columnist for The Washington Post, was killed in 2018 at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. Trump's remarks labeling Khashoggi as 'extremely controversial' have sparked outrage, as they seem to dismiss the gravity of his murder and its implications for press freedom and human rights.

The House voted to publicly rebuke retiring Representative Chuy Garcia, a Democrat from Illinois, for attempting to select his own successor for his congressional seat in the Chicago area. This action reflects the House's disapproval of Garcia's perceived manipulation of the succession process as he prepares to leave office.