Fact Check: House Republicans just shut down half the legislative branch because they’re afraid of the Epstein files. The Senate still has no clue about a Trump judicial nominee’s involvement in the cover up. Emil Bove was in senior leadership at DOJ when the files were reviewed.

Fact-Check: "House Republicans just shut down half the legislative branch because they’re afraid of the Epstein files."

What We Know

The claim revolves around the actions of House Republicans in relation to the handling of Jeffrey Epstein files and the nomination of Emil Bove to the federal judiciary. Reports indicate that House Republicans faced internal dissent regarding the Trump administration's management of Epstein-related documents. This dissent reportedly led to a decision by Speaker Mike Johnson to end legislative business early, effectively shutting down the House to avoid a vote on releasing these files (Politico).

In the Senate, Emil Bove's nomination has been contentious, with several senators, including Cory Booker, raising concerns about his qualifications and ethical conduct. Booker specifically questioned Bove's involvement in the handling of Epstein files, suggesting that either Bove or the Justice Department was not being truthful about the situation. He emphasized the need for transparency before Bove could be confirmed to a lifetime judicial position.

Analysis

The assertion that House Republicans "shut down half the legislative branch" is somewhat exaggerated. While it is true that they halted legislative business to avoid a vote related to the Epstein files, this action does not equate to a complete shutdown of the legislative branch. The House still exists and functions, albeit with a temporary suspension of certain activities.

The reports from multiple sources, including Politico and Independent, confirm that there was significant unrest among House Republicans regarding the Epstein files, leading to the early recess. However, the motivations behind this decision are complex and involve internal party dynamics rather than a singular fear of the Epstein files.

Regarding Emil Bove, the concerns raised by Booker and others about his qualifications and ethical standards are well-documented. The Congressional Record details serious allegations against Bove, including claims that he suggested disobeying lawful court orders. This paints a troubling picture of his fitness for a judicial role, which is a legitimate concern for senators evaluating his nomination.

However, the claim that the Senate is unaware of Bove's involvement in the Epstein cover-up is misleading. Senators are actively discussing Bove's qualifications and his past actions, and there is ongoing scrutiny of his nomination, as evidenced by Booker's public statements and the debates occurring in the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Conclusion

The claim is Partially True. While it accurately reflects the turmoil within the House regarding the Epstein files and the contentious nature of Emil Bove's nomination, it exaggerates the implications of these events. The House did not shut down entirely; rather, it temporarily suspended certain legislative activities. Additionally, the Senate is not oblivious to Bove's past; rather, it is engaged in a critical examination of his qualifications and ethical conduct. Thus, while there are elements of truth in the claim, the overall context and implications require a more nuanced understanding.

Sources

1. Congressional Record on Emil Bove's Nomination
2. Senator Booker's Statement on Bove
3. Politico on House GOP's Handling of Epstein Files
4. Independent on House Republicans' Revolt
5. Democracy Docket on Bove's Confirmation
6. Politico on House GOP's Internal Crisis
7. Newsweek on House Republicans' Actions
8. NBC Washington on House Shutdown