At a Glance
- DOJ’s rolling release of Epstein files sparks congressional backlash.
- House to decide on a 3-year Obamacare subsidy extension.
- A Jan. 30 funding deadline threatens a partial shutdown.
Why it matters: The House must resolve these disputes to keep the government funded and address public concerns about justice and healthcare.
The House returns from a holiday break to confront a trio of high-stakes issues that could shape federal policy for months. From the slow release of Jeffrey Epstein files to a contested Obamacare subsidy extension and a looming Jan. 30 funding deadline, lawmakers face pressure on multiple fronts.
DOJ Epstein File Dispute
Thomas Massie and Ro Khanna are drafting a resolution to hold Attorney General Pam Bondi in inherent contempt over the DOJ’s delayed release of Epstein files. The DOJ missed its Dec. 19 deadline, citing the need to protect victim information. Thomas Massie said on CBS News’s Face the Nation that inherent contempt would be the “quickest way” to get justice for the victims, while Ro Khanna warned that Bondi could be fined “for every day that she’s not releasing the documents.”
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche responded on Meet the Press with a defiant “Bring it on,” arguing that redactions were lawful and necessary.
Robert Garcia accused the DOJ of making “illegal redactions” that “protect powerful men who raped and abused women and girls,” calling the delay a “criminal White House cover-up.” Jamie Raskin added that the House was “examining all legal options” to address the violation.
- DOJ rolling release of Epstein files
- Redactions and delayed deadline
- Congressional contempt resolution
Republicans Target Clinton for Contempt
James Comer, chair of the Oversight Committee, threatened former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton with contempt of Congress if they fail to appear for in-person depositions on Jan. 13 and Jan. 14. In a Dec. 15 letter, Comer warned that non-compliance would trigger contempt proceedings. A Clinton spokesperson has urged the DOJ to release the full Epstein material, arguing that selective releases imply wrongdoing.
- Deposition dates: Jan. 13 & Jan. 14
- Potential contempt proceedings
- Clinton spokesperson calls for full release
Obamacare Subsidy Extension Fight
Four moderate Republicans-Brian Fitzpatrick, Rob Bresnahan, Ryan Mackenzie, and Mike Lawler-signed a discharge petition to force a vote on a 3-year extension of Obamacare subsidies. The measure could be brought to the floor in mid-January, but it is unlikely to pass without reforms. Senators Lisa Murkowski, Jeanne Shaheen, Bernie Moreno, and Angus King met with House moderates, with Murkowski noting it was “too late to avoid the shock factor, but it’s not too late to do something about it.”
- Discharge petition signed
- Potential vote in mid-January
- Senators call for compromise
Funding Deadline Looms
Lawmakers must finalize spending negotiations before the Jan. 30 deadline set by a continuing resolution that ended the longest government shutdown in November. Congress has passed three of twelve appropriations bills-military construction & veterans affairs, legislative branch, and agriculture & FDA-covering only a small portion of discretionary spending. The Senate was close to a “minibus” covering about two-thirds of discretionary spending, but it stalled before the holiday break.
| Appropriations Bill | Status |
|---|---|
| Military construction & veterans affairs | Passed |
| Legislative branch | Passed |
| Agriculture & FDA | Passed |
| Other discretionary spending | Pending |
- Three appropriations bills passed
- Minibus stalled before holiday break
- Jan. 30 deadline threatens shutdown
Key Takeaways
- DOJ’s delayed Epstein file release fuels congressional contempt actions.
- A contested 3-year Obamacare subsidy extension could be voted on in mid-January.
- The Jan. 30 funding deadline demands urgent spending negotiations.
The House’s return from break places it at the center of critical battles over justice, healthcare, and government funding that will shape policy for the coming year.
