The government shutdown is delaying proceedings in Congress’ investigation into Jeffrey Epstein, affecting a measure to require the release of files in the possession of the federal government and holding up testimony from key figures. Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican, has kept the House of Representatives out of session for two weeks and counting as part of his party’s strategy to pressure Senate Democrats into voting for their resolution to fund the government. That has slowed down the House Oversight Committee’s investigation into the late pedophile and held a petition demanding the release of the files at bay.