Good evening. I'm Jeff Bennett. And I'm Omna Nawaz. On the news hour tonight,

congressional leaders and the Trump administration take steps to quell increasing frustration

over the investigation into sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The president of the Philippines

visits the White House amid trade tensions and fraying relations with China.

And as some anti-abortion rights activists turn their focus to birth control, we examine the facts about contraceptives and how misinformation is rapidly spreading online.

You hear these wild things. Birth control methods are one of the most researched hormones in our health care system.

Welcome to the NewsHour. Divisions inside the News Hour.

Divisions inside the Republican Party about the Justice Department's investigation into Jeffrey Epstein

boiled over on Capitol Hill today.

House Speaker Mike Johnson said the House won't take action before leaving town for the August recess at the end of the week.

The controversy is fracturing the party and renewing calls for transparency.

Our congressional correspondent Lisa Desjardin has more.

At the Capitol, a sudden rush to exit this week.

Speaker Johnson explained why the House is leaving early.

There's no purpose for Congress to push an administration to do something that they're already doing.

But pledges from President Trump and A.G. Pam Bondi to release more information about Jeffrey Epstein,

his alleged sex trafficking organization, and his death have yet to be fulfilled.

Bringing new reminders of Mr. Trump's former friendship with

Epstein, Trump has said he knew nothing of Epstein's alleged crimes. But this bill from Republican

Thomas Massey to release all records while protecting victims' identities would force a tough

vote that the White House does not want now. The issue ground the House Rules Committee to a halt last night after Democrats tried to force

a vote on releasing Epstein information.

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