AOC rages as House GOP abruptly cancels session ahead of Epstein files release

WASHINGTON, DC: Rep Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has called attention to the abrupt cancellation of the Congressional session ahead of their highly anticipated release of the Jeffrey Epstein files later this week.

The files are set to be made public under the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which was signed into law last month by President Donald Trump. 

The law mandates that the Department of Justice release the documents by Friday, December 19.

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez highlights abrupt cancellation of House session

Ocasio-Cortez slammed Republicans in the House of Representatives who called for an early recess for the remainder of the year as the release of the Epstein files looms.

In her statement, she said, “Like I said: view all political developments for the rest of the week in light of the fact that the Epstein Files are supposed to be released on Friday.”

She continued by pointing directly to the House Republican leadership’s decision, stating, “House Republicans just suddenly cancelled Congressional session Friday and are sending everyone home Thursday evening.” 

She shared a tweet from reporter Andrew Solender, featuring a photo of the announcement by Democratic Whip Katherine Clark.

Solender also commented on the announcement, writing, "House GOP leadership is canceling Friday votes, letting members skip town tomorrow afternoon instead."

The announcement read: "The House GOP Leadership have made the following change to the House Floor schedule."

Leadership further informed, "Members are advised that votes are no longer expected in the House on Friday, December 19, 2025."

The leadership also clarified the timing: "Last votes for the week are now expected at approximately 2.00 pm on Thursday, December 18, 2025. This is a change from the House GOP Leadership's previously announced schedule."

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez on the Epstein Files

Ocasio-Cortez has previously criticized what she views as Republican efforts to delay the release of the Epstein files.

In a previous post on X during the government shutdown, she said, "The government is in full shutdown and the Republicans are refusing to call the House back into session."

She continued, "Want to know why? Because we have secured the final vote on releasing the Epstein Files and they don’t want it out."

Last month, House Democrats released three emails related to Jeffrey Epstein. According to the emails, Epstein referred to Trump as the "dog that hasn't barked."

He also told his longtime associate Ghislaine Maxwell that an alleged victim had "spent hours at my house" with Trump.

Responding to this development, Ocasio-Cortez told reporters, "I think what these emails demonstrate is precisely why House Republicans have been trying to block the release of the Epstein files for months now."

She also slammed House Speaker Mike Johnson, saying, "I think it illustrates in a very damning way, and I think it also implicates House Speaker Mike Johnson as well, as to why he has refused to call the House back into session for over a month now."

Trump has never been accused or charged with any crime in connection with Epstein and has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing.