House Recess Over Epstein Standoff Stalls Crypto Policy Push Until September

The House of Representatives adjourned early on July 24, initiating its August recess ahead of schedule and halting all legislative activity until after Labor Day. Speaker Mike Johnson announced the break during a floor session, effectively pausing votes and procedural work until at least the week of September 8.

The recess follows an intensifying debate over a proposed amendment to release files related to Jeffrey Epstein. Rep. Ro Khanna attempted to attach the measure to the stablecoin-focused GENIUS Act, but the House Rules Committee rejected it in a narrow 6–5 vote. The dispute prompted Democrats to threaten further procedural action, leading to the early recess.

While the pause stalls ongoing legislative efforts, it does not derail crypto-related measures already approved. The GENIUS Act, which has cleared the Senate and received President Trump’s signature, remains on track. The CLARITY Act, aimed at clarifying regulatory jurisdiction between the SEC and CFTC, also remains pending.