Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, R-La., walks from the chamber to speak with reporters after the final vote to bring the longest government shutdown in history to an end, at the Capitol in Washington. (AP Photo)
US House Speaker Mike Johnson said on Wednesday that lawmakers will vote next week on a bill requiring the release of government files related to the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, The Guardian reported.
“We are gonna put that on the floor for [a] full vote next week, [as] soon as we get back,” Johnson told reporters as the chamber gathered to discuss legislation to reopen the government.
Johnson’s announcement came just hours after Arizona Democrat Adelita Grijalva was sworn into office, becoming the 218th and final signature on a discharge petition that automatically triggers a House vote on the legislation.
Grijalva, who succeeded her late father Raúl Grijalva after winning a special election in September, said during her floor remarks, “Justice cannot wait another day. Adelante.” Under House rules, Johnson was not required to schedule a vote until early December, but his decision to move it up came sooner than expected, according to The Guardian.
Bipartisan support expected for bill
While Johnson has publicly opposed the bill, several Republicans are expected to support it. Lawmakers including Don Bacon of Nebraska, Tim Burchett of Tennessee, and Rob Bresnahan of Pennsylvania have indicated they plan to vote in favour.
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Epstein died in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. His death, officially ruled a suicide, has fuelled years of speculation and calls for more transparency into his alleged network and activities.
Earlier this year, the US Justice Department said it would release no further details about the Epstein case, prompting renewed demands in Congress for all related files to be made public.
Even if the House approves the measure, it would still need Senate backing and President Donald Trump’s signature to become law. Senate leaders have not indicated whether they will bring it up for a vote, and Trump has dismissed the push as a “Democrat hoax”.
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Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, R-La., walks from the chamber to speak with reporters after the final vote to bring the longest government shutdown in history to an end, at the Capitol in Washington. (AP Photo) 
