"The big picture: Johnson's shift underscores Trump's enduring grip on the GOP: Within 48 hours of the president's reversal, the speaker fell in line on a vote he had fought to avoid. Trump on Sunday reversed months of calls to block an Epstein vote, saying Republicans should vote for it. By Monday, he said he'd sign the bill. Dozens of House Republicans had already planned to support the petition, but Trump's blessing made it an easier choice."
"Zoom in: Johnson opposed the effort from the start, using delay tactics and behind-the-scenes pressure to keep it off the floor. He cut the week short before the August recess after Democrats forced multiple votes on releasing the files. The intrigue: Johnson has also insisted the bill does not adequately protect Epstein's victims, though it directs the DOJ to redact identifying details and child sexual abuse materials. The speaker told reporters Monday he expects the Senate to "fix" that provision."
Johnson shifted to support a vote compelling release of Jeffrey Epstein files after former President Trump reversed his position and said he would sign the bill. The vote is expected to receive unanimous Republican backing, and a "no" vote would isolate Johnson from his conference and the White House. Johnson initially opposed the effort, employing delay tactics and cutting the week short before the August recess. The bill requires DOJ to redact identifying details and child sexual abuse materials, which Johnson says does not sufficiently protect victims. Johnson expects the Senate to modify that provision; any Senate amendment would return the bill to the House.
Read at Axios
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