Speaker Mike Johnson told the Republican caucus this week not to support Rep. Tom Massie's (R-KY) legislation that makes it mandatory for the Justice Department to release all of the information related to the Jeffrey Epstein investigation.
Johnson urged GOP members to support a measure coming from the House Oversight and Reform Committee. However, Massie explained that it is a non-binding demand that is a toothless effort that the DOJ wouldn't have to follow.
CSPAN producer Craig Caplan noted that Massie reached 215 votes around lunch with 212 House Democrats and four Republican votes. Some lawmakers had yet to sign on, while another is out of town.
Politico reporter Ben Jacobs agreed, adding, "Worth noting the number will grow by another in the next week or two, regardless of what Republicans do after the VA-11 special election where Democrat James Walkinshaw is expected to win easily on Tuesday."
Journalist Gabe Fleisher explained that Swalwell also intends to sign onto the order, but he has been with his family after his mother passed away. His support will make 216 votes, and after the Virginia election, it will equal 217. Another Democrat is expected to win in the Arizona special election on Sept 23 will equal 218 votes in support.