New — GOP-led panel votes 8-2 to subpoena Epstein files. Ds forced the vote, and Mace, Perry and Jack voted in favor. Rs also amended to subpoena comms bw Biden officials and DOJ — and to subpoena Clintons, James Comey, Loretta Lynch and others. Mace to me on the Epstein files:

New @insidepolitics, in chair top of Noon — What GOP members are saying as House bolts town until after recess amid Epstein dispute — Trump’s trade war and what Japan agreement means — Freedom Caucus’ year of walking away from red lines — DOJ’s battle w judges over Alina Hanna

MTG on Epstein files: “I really like President Trump… I also think he has a great pulse on things, but on this issue, the American people really want to see transparency. It's become one of those basically fractures that is too big to ignore.”

Lizzie Fletcher, a Texas Dem whose district could be targeted in Trump’s redistricting push to pick up 5 seats, wants Dems to respond in-kind in other blue states. “We cannot bring a knife to a gunfight.” Contends it’s different than TX GOP effort. “I don’t think it’s the same.”

Schumer, prompted by @mkraju, insists Dems under Biden were equally as vocal about releasing Epstein files Schumer: "I did, in 2019." Raju: "Not nearly as vocal as you are now." Schumer: "Please, that's not true. Absolutely not true."

.@mkraju asked Schumer why Democrats didn't push harder to release Epstein files in the past "I did in 2019" Said idea he wasn't pushing as hard then is "not true. Absolutely not true"

Federal judge overseeing case of Ghislaine Maxwell says he needs more info before he can unseal grand jury transcripts requested by DOJ. Set initial deadline of next Tues for DOJ to provide info, including why disclosure being sought & if Maxwell opposes disclosure

"Neither I nor anybody I know knows any Texans who are asking the legislature to redraw the Congressional map to create five new GOP seats. It is President Trump and President Trump alone. It is not Texans asking for this." @RepFletcher tells @mkraju

In more signs of how Epstein saga is consuming House, House Oversight expected to subpoena Maxwell after GOP Rep. Burchett offered this motion that was approved in this panel. And the House is now leaving for August recess Wednesday — rather than Thursday.

New from DOJ this morning on EPSTEIN: "At the direction of Attorney General Bondi, I have communicated with counsel for Ms. Maxwell to determine whether she would be willing to speak with prosecutors from the Department.  I anticipate meeting with Ms. Maxwell in the coming days"