House members are escalating their efforts to release the Jeffrey Epstein files, with Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) taking the crucial step of initiating a discharge petition to bypass congressional leadership. Freshly back in Washington from the August recess, Massie has scheduled the formal filing of the petition at 2 p.m. today, a necessary procedural maneuver to force a vote on his resolution compelling the DOJ to unseal the files related to the late, convicted sex offender. This action marks the beginning of a broader legislative push to bring the issue before Congress, where Massie is confident in securing the required 218 signatures necessary for the measure to reach the floor.
Massie, who has co-sponsored the measure with Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.), is optimistic about garnering support from both sides of the aisle. He has stated in previous interviews that he expects to meet the threshold quickly, with the backing of Democrats and at least a handful of Republicans. This bipartisan support is seen as a key factor in the resolution’s viability, as it aligns with the broader effort to address the fallout from Epstein’s crimes and ensure accountability. Additionally, the movement has gained traction with a bipartisan group of House members, including leadership on the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, planning to convene a closed-door meeting with Epstein’s victims on Tuesday afternoon. This meeting underscores the growing pressure on lawmakers to address the issue, particularly given the significant public interest in the matter.
A planned rally for Epstein’s victims on Capitol Hill on Wednesday morning is set to run parallel to a press conference hosted by Khanna and Massie, which aims to highlight their discharge petition effort. The rally will provide a platform for victims to voice their concerns and demand transparency, while the press conference will serve as a public relations vehicle to build support for the resolution. Despite these efforts, GOP leaders continue to seek to manage the crisis, with Speaker Mike Johnson convening a call with Rules Committee Republicans over the weekend to discuss strategies for handling the Epstein issue. This indicates that while the issue remains active, GOP leaders are attempting to depoliticize the matter and focus on procedural steps to move it forward.
However, Massie has dismissed a separate resolution posted by House GOP leaders as a ‘meaningless vote to provide political cover,’ suggesting that the party is attempting to delay or dilute the original petition. This critique highlights the tension within the legislative process, where both sides are vying for influence and control over the narrative surrounding Epstein’s case. As Rules Republicans are set to meet again on Tuesday afternoon, Democrats on the committee are preparing to apply new pressure, with plans to introduce their own Epstein-related amendments. These developments signal an intensifying legislative showdown, with the potential for significant changes in how the issue is addressed in Congress, ultimately shaping the course of the Epstein files’ release and the accountability measures for those involved in the case.