Live updates: House votes to release Epstein files, kicks bill to Senate

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.

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.

President Trump stated that Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman was unaware of the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. This claim was made during a press conference, where Trump suggested that 'things happen' in the context of the incident. The statement has drawn criticism, especially given the CIA's previous assessment that the Crown Prince orchestrated the killing. Trump's remarks come amid ongoing discussions about U.S.-Saudi relations and the implications of Khashoggi's murder.

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.

The U.S. House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly to compel the Justice Department to release files related to Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender. The vote, which passed with a significant majority of 427-1, reflects increasing pressure on lawmakers and the Trump administration to address long-standing demands for transparency regarding the Epstein case. The bill will now move to the Senate for further consideration.

A federal court has blocked the implementation of a new congressional map in Texas that was designed at the request of former President Trump. The court ruled in favor of challengers who argued that the map would unfairly increase Republican representation in the House. This decision highlights ongoing legal battles over redistricting practices in the state.