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The tumult in the Jeffrey Epstein saga continues to roil the halls of Congress this week, with calls for more transparency growing. The House Oversight Committee approved a motion to subpoena Ghislaine Maxwell’s testimony on her alleged list of clients for the disgraced Hollywood agent, but the move is unlikely to be enough to compel her to appear before the panel.
Amid growing frustration over rising prices and stagnant incomes, voters are increasingly embracing populist and right-wing candidates. Democrats are looking for opportunities to capitalize on the trend, pushing a series of measures they hope can put Republicans on notice.
As Congress winds down for the summer recess, there’s a lot still on the calendar. The Senate is preparing to vote on a spending bill, while the House is weighing a series of proposals aimed at curbing the Trump administration’s budget excesses.
Republicans are in talks with the White House on another round of funding clawbacks. Sources tell POLITICO that the package could include Education Department funds, among others.
Amid the turmoil, congressional leaders are also focusing on making sure the chamber remains busy through its August recess. That includes trying to push through a package of bills addressing smog, wildfires and water pollution as well as a bill to protect women in the workplace. The House is also working on legislation aimed at banning toxic ingredients in beauty products, a measure that’s been pushed by Rep. Thomas Massie and backed by many of his Republican colleagues.