• Speaker Mike Johnson has adjourned the House, blocking a vote on Epstein documents.
• Bipartisan criticism arises from both sides of the political aisle over Johnson's decision.
• Johnson claims to support transparency while emphasizing the need to protect victims.
• Former President Trump has also faced backlash related to the Epstein files.
• Johnson's decision has been labeled an "Epstein Recess" by critics.

House Speaker Mike Johnson has drawn criticism for his abrupt decision to cancel House votes on legislation aimed at releasing documents related to the investigation of Jeffrey Epstein. By adjourning the House early, he effectively blocked bipartisan efforts to push for transparency on the Epstein files, which has angered members from both parties, according to SFGate, HuffPost, Newsweek, and AA.

Johnson's decision to end legislative business early has been characterized by some Democrats as an "Epstein Recess," as many legislators were prepared to vote on bills aimed at enhancing transparency about Epstein's activities. He has rebutted the idea that Congress is obstructing the investigation, insisting that no one is blocking Epstein documents, as reported by HuffPost and AA.

At a press conference, Johnson asserted that he is "fed up" with what he termed the "political charade" surrounding the attempts to vote on the Epstein files, reiterating that the release of documents must be handled judiciously to protect victims. He claimed, "We cannot be careless in an open release like that," emphasizing the complexity of the situation, according to SFGate and Newsweek.

Despite Johnson's insistence on supporting transparency, figures such as Representative Thomas Massie have publicly challenged him, framing the push for the documents as a necessary action for justice. Massie expressed frustration on social media, suggesting that the lack of action on Epstein’s files undermines the rights of the American people to know the truth, as articulated in reports from HuffPost and Newsweek.

The ongoing situation has not only drawn criticism from within the Republican Party but has also led to scorn from Democratic leaders, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, who accused Johnson of seeking to evade responsibility regarding the Epstein issue. Schumer referred to Johnson's early adjournment as an effort to "escape" discussions essential to the American public's right to know, according to AA.