Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – The U.S. House closing up for summer recess rather than take a vote related to the release of the Jeffrey Epstein files?

Senator Dick Durbin (D-Springfield) says that’s a new one.

“I’ve been around Washington a number of years, and I’ve never seen anything like this,” said Durbin.  “The House of Representatives, rather than vote up or down on whether the Department of Justice should release the materials related to Jeffrey Epstein, decided to adjourn head of time, to leave for six weeks’ vacation, rather than face a vote on this issue, up or down.”

Durbin says the Senate stands to be in session this week, and probably beyond.

Meanwhile, President Trump last week signed an executive order that could end up forcing the homeless to get treatment for drug abuse or mental health.  Durbin says that seems like a good idea, until you take into account what Trump and legislative Republicans just did to one of the ways that could easily be paid for.

“I think it’s a good idea.  They’ll pay for it, if they can, by Medicaid,” said Durbin.  “Well, goodness gracious.  What are we doing to Medicaid?  We’re dramatically cutting Medicaid.  (Trump) needs to reconcile his press conferences.  if we’re going to help people in low-income categories deal with mental health and physical health challenges, Medicaid is the key program for that to happen.”

Durbin says the executive order is going to end up making it difficult for the homeless, and for taxpayers to cover the cost of any treatment.