The House won’t return to session next week as Speaker Mike Johnson had previously indicated, according to a notice made during Friday’s pro forma session.
The move came after the Senate voted a fourth time Friday to reject a House-passed continuing resolution that would break the ongoing government shutdown. Johnson and House GOP leaders have argued that measure, which would extend federal funding through Nov. 21, is the only viable path out of the standoff.
The extended recess also stands to delay the swearing-in of Rep-elect. Adelita Grijalva (D-Ariz.), who is expected to be the final required signature on a discharge petition for a bill forcing Justice Department disclosure of files related to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
“Johnson and House Republicans care more about protecting the Epstein files than protecting the American people,” Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said after the schedule announcement Friday.
Jordain Carney contributed to this report.
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