Mike Johnson May Want a Shutdown to Avoid Epstein Files Vote

We’re now five days from a government shutdown , with no negotiations between the two parties in sight. At one point, President Trump agreed to meet with Democratic congressional leaders Chuck Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries , but then called the meeting off , saying their “unserious and ridiculous demands” meant it wouldn’t accomplish anything. You’d still think that for the sake of appearances, the Republican leaders who control Congress would keep their troops in town in case of a last-minute deal to avoid a shutdown or to get stuff done before it happens. Instead, House Speaker Mike Johnson is keeping the House in recess.

Punchbowl News has the official GOP rationalization :

Johnson doesn’t want Republicans back in Washington next week with nothing to do. The House Republican