- DOJ has halted document production on the Jeffrey Epstein probe amid the 17-day government shutdown, stalling Oversight Committee investigations.
- Senate Democrats blocked a defense funding bill to leverage shutdown negotiations, prolonging the impasse and risking paychecks and services.
- Farm loans and USDA services remain frozen, worsening agricultural financial strain as partisan gridlock delays targeted relief and funding decisions.
As the federal government shutdown enters its 17th day, key investigations and funding priorities remain paralyzed, with no immediate resolution in sight.
The House Oversight Committee’s probe into Jeffrey Epstein has hit a wall, Senate Democrats have rejected a military funding bill, and agricultural support for struggling farmers hangs in the balance amid ongoing partisan gridlock.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) has gone silent on providing documents related to the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein since the shutdown began on October 1.
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According to sources familiar with the matter, committee investigators have received no updates or materials from the DOJ despite a congressional subpoena.
Rep. Robert Garcia (D-Calif.), the top Democrat on the Oversight Committee, accused the department of deliberate delays in a letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi on Thursday.
“Despite multiple requests from Committee staff for an accounting of materials still within DOJ’s possession or plans to produce additional materials, DOJ has failed to provide any substantive or insightful information as to when the Committee may expect further productions of documents,” Garcia wrote.
Garcia’s letter highlighted that the DOJ’s only production consisted “almost entirely of documents that were either already public or in the Committee’s possession.”
The last handover of information occurred on August 22, and Democrats argue the administration is withholding critical details, including explanations for Ghislaine Maxwell’s relocation to a minimum-security prison in Texas after her interview with Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, where she claimed no recollection of President Donald Trump’s involvement in inappropriate situations with Epstein.
The Epstein case has become a political flashpoint, with Democrats using Trump’s past ties to Epstein to push for transparency.
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) has resisted efforts to force a full release of materials, pointing to the Oversight probe as the proper channel.
Republicans emphasize the need to protect victims’ privacy, but critics from both parties complain about the slow, piecemeal delivery of information.
A DOJ spokesperson did not respond to requests for comment.
Senate Democrats Sink Pentagon Funding Push
In a dramatic escalation of the shutdown feud, Senate Democrats on Thursday overwhelmingly blocked advancement of a defense appropriations bill, turning a typically bipartisan measure into leverage for their demands.
The bill, which includes a military pay raise, failed 50-44, with only three Democrats—Sens. Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), and Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.)—voting to proceed.
Republicans, led by Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.), dared Democrats to oppose the bill, arguing it was essential for national security.
Thune floated adding domestic priorities like funding for labor, health, and education programs, but Democrats insisted on prioritizing an end to the shutdown, including an extension of expiring Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies.
“I won’t vote just for the defense appropriations bill, even though that’s my bill,” said Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.), the top Democrat on the Senate Appropriations panel overseeing defense.
Coons added, “The path out of this shutdown is meaningful negotiations … so that millions of Americans aren’t thrown off their health care in the next 10 days.”
The vote came after the Senate rejected a House-passed stopgap funding measure for the 10th time, ensuring the shutdown will stretch into its third week.
With senators departing for the weekend, the impasse deepens, affecting everything from federal paychecks to court operations.
Senate employees were notified Thursday that they would miss their October 20 paychecks if no deal is reached.
Meanwhile, President Trump has shifted Pentagon funds to ensure military personnel receive pay, but broader impacts loom.
Farm Loans and Aid Caught in Crossfire
Adding to the economic strain, Senate Majority Leader Thune has been privately urging the White House to reopen access to Marketing Assistance Loans for farmers, which are critical during harvest season.
These loans, administered through shuttered USDA Farm Service Agency offices, remain frozen, exacerbating challenges from Trump’s tariffs.
Thune described raising the issue “relentlessly” with administration officials, according to sources.
“We’re working that issue, and I hope to get an answer soon,” Thune said in an interview.
Other Republicans, including Sen. Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), echoed concerns, noting that farmers are “left behind” without these services.
Speaker Johnson mentioned “frozen loans” for farmers in remarks Thursday, while the administration has no plans yet to redirect funds, citing low account balances and competing priorities like a delayed farm bailout package.
Political Ripples: CBC PAC Targets Rep. Lawler
In a separate development with midterm implications, the Congressional Black Caucus PAC launched a five-figure ad campaign against Rep. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.), linking him to racist messages in a New York Young Republicans group chat exposed by POLITICO.
The ad, titled “Not for US,” also references Lawler’s college blackface incident, which he described as an homage to Michael Jackson.
“Mike Lawler keeps showing us exactly who he is — between now and Election Day we’re going to make sure Hudson Valley voters know he’s not fit for Congress,” a CBCPAC spokesperson said.
Lawler previously condemned the messages as “deeply offensive, hateful and disgusting,” calling for those involved to resign.
Outlook: No End in Sight
With the Senate eyeing debates on full-year funding bills and bipartisan senators exploring compromises, Thune expressed optimism: “I can’t explain why, but this does have a different feel. There’s an offramp here: It’s just to fund the government.”
Yet, as impacts mount—from missed paychecks to stalled aid—pressure builds on both sides.
Democrats demand health care protections, while Republicans insist on fiscal discipline.
The shutdown’s toll on everyday Americans, including farmers, homebuyers, and federal workers, underscores the urgency for a breakthrough.
Also Read: Republicans Face Growing Backlash as Voters Blame Them for Govt. Shutdown
