Nearly a dozen House Republicans have joined an effort to compel the release of all Jeffrey Epstein-related government files

But after a handful of Republicans temporarily stalled the $9 billion rescissions package last week over the Epstein issue, Speaker Mike Johnson does not appear likely to entertain further consideration of the matter before setting the House free on a five-week recess that stretches past Labor Day.

House GOP leadership drafted a resolution last week to release the investigative materials as a way to provide Republican lawmakers with some political cover as Democrats hammer them on the subject. But the resolution is nonbinding and was not placed on the voting schedule for the week, prompting criticism from some rank-and-file members.