House Dems demand Johnson hold ACA vote

Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) opposed an effort by House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) to repeal a provision in the recent government funding bill. This provision allows senators to sue the Justice Department for surveillance of their activities. Thune criticized the repeal attempt, emphasizing the importance of the provision for Republican senators.

House Democrats and survivors of Jeffrey Epstein expressed joy after the Senate unanimously passed the Epstein files bill. This legislation mandates the release of files related to Epstein, a convicted sex offender, which had been a long-standing demand from victims and advocates. The House previously approved the bill with an overwhelming vote of 427-1, highlighting bipartisan support for transparency regarding Epstein's actions and the associated legal proceedings.

A whistleblower has alleged that Ghislaine Maxwell, a convicted sex offender, received preferential treatment while incarcerated at a federal prison camp in Texas. The whistleblower, who approached House Democrats, stated that her motivations were not political. This revelation raises concerns about the treatment of inmates and the potential for inequality within the prison system.

Speaker Mike Johnson's decision to support a House vote on releasing the Jeffrey Epstein files has drawn attention from his colleagues, particularly Rep. Eric Swalwell, who made a blunt reference to former President Trump in response. This move comes amid a broader political context where the release of Epstein-related documents has gained traction, especially following Trump's recent reversal on the issue, urging House Republicans to back the measure.

A faction of House Democrats has defied party leadership by voting to rebuke Rep. Jesús 'Chuy' García over his controversial timing of an election move. Critics argue that García's actions undermine the integrity of the electoral process, leading to a split within the party. This internal conflict highlights the challenges faced by House Democrats as they navigate differing views on election integrity and party unity.

The House voted overwhelmingly to pass a bill that mandates the Justice Department to release all files related to Jeffrey Epstein. The vote concluded with a significant majority of 427-1, with only Republican Clay Higgins opposing it. The bill will now proceed to the Senate, where House Speaker Mike Johnson has indicated the need for amendments to enhance protections for Epstein's victims.

House Democrats announced legislation aimed at preventing President Trump from conducting further drug boat strikes in the Western Hemisphere. They argue that the White House has breached the War Powers Resolution by deploying troops without proper authorization. This move reflects ongoing tensions between the legislative and executive branches regarding military actions.

Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) announced his intention to vote for a bill that would direct the Department of Justice to release files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Despite his support, Johnson expressed significant concerns about the measure and hopes for amendments in the Senate. The vote is scheduled for Tuesday.