House leaves Washington early with major disputes unresolved

House Speaker Mike Johnson recessed the chamber early ahead of the midterm campaign period.

The recess left several contentious matters without votes, including disputes over congressional war powers, executive-branch oversight and efforts related to the release of additional Epstein investigation files.

The episode illustrates the tension between campaigning and legislating in the final weeks before a national election, especially when Congress is debating questions involving military action and executive accountability.