Overview

• Rep. Eric Swalwell said multiple Republicans told him an “Epstein bomb is about to drop” and predicted a “jail break” of more than 100 GOP members if a discharge vote occurs.
• Reps. Thomas Massie and Ro Khanna are driving the petition to compel a vote on releasing Justice Department files, with supporters asserting it has the necessary signatures once the House reconvenes.
• Speaker Mike Johnson rejected claims he is using the schedule or delaying Rep.-elect Adelita Grijalva’s swearing-in to block the petition, saying she will be sworn in when the shutdown ends.
• Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, a signer of the petition, said she has faced intense pressure over the effort and told CNN she feels afraid as she pushes for full disclosure.
• President Donald Trump has called focus on the files a hoax and urged supporters not to waste time, while recent reporting noted his denial of a purported birthday note to Jeffrey Epstein and his comment that he would “take a look” when asked about a potential Ghislaine Maxwell pardon.