House Speaker Mike Johnson dismissed Kentucky Rep. Thomas Massie’s claim that leaders planned an extended recess over Epstein legislation. Johnson said Republicans would keep working, but House leaders later sent lawmakers home early before the midterms. The reversal drew attention because Massie had questioned whether Johnson would follow through. The dispute unfolded in Washington as Republicans prepared for November.
Massie shared a video combining Johnson’s remarks, his Lindell TV response and a later OANN report. The clips centered on House operations and Massie’s Epstein transparency push.
A reporter asked Johnson about Massie’s allegation that the House would remain in recess until after the midterms. Johnson called the claim “stupid” and “nonsensical,” saying Republicans would continue working as planned.
Massie welcomed that assurance but questioned what Johnson considered progress. He argued the speaker could still send members home if internal Republican disputes stalled floor action.
He also pointed to earlier summer interruptions after Johnson struggled to pass procedural rules. Massie said remaining in Washington would help him gather 218 signatures for the Epstein Files Transparency Act Part 2.
The video later shifted to OANN, which reported that Republican leaders canceled two scheduled September voting weeks. Lawmakers would return to their districts early to focus on the midterm elections.
The decision followed passage of a continuing resolution funding the government through December 11. OANN said it also avoided contentious floor votes before Election Day.
The change covered two voting weeks, not the through-midterms recess Massie had predicted over the Epstein fight.
Mike Johnson Faces Backlash Over Thomas Massie Recess Dispute
The later change intensified criticism of Johnson’s earlier response to Massie. “The GOP leadership is a complete joke,” one user wrote. Another said, “So much for Johnson’s calendar. Next time he bothers to try to intimidate Massie, he should have a better endgame plan.”
Others focused on Johnson’s dismissal of Massie. “He even tried to shame you for even suggesting they’d go home early!” one response stated. Another told Johnson, “You were knowingly dishonest when you called Congressman Massie stupid, knowing full well you were going to recess.”
Some responses pushed back. “To be fair, it’s a holiday weekend,” one user wrote. Another defended Johnson, stating, “He’s doing his job. It’s the Senate not doing their job.”
Massie still needs 218 signatures for his Epstein transparency effort. The House’s early departure leaves the timing of that push unresolved.
