Mike Johnson Plans Rule Change After Epstein Files Fallout
Following the successful use of a discharge petition to force a vote on the Epstein Files Transparency Act, Speaker Mike Johnson is considering raising the threshold for privileged motions and discharge petitions. This follows bipartisan efforts that bypassed Republican leadership and led to the bill’s passage, despite opposition from Johnson and former President Trump. The Epstein Files bill, which instructs the Department of Justice to release investigative files related to the late sex offender, unanimously passed both the House and Senate. With more lawmakers breaking rank, and the Speaker not giving an outlet for legislative pursuits, the Speaker may continue to see an increase in discharge petitions.