Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) and Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) have launched a discharge petition to force a vote on releasing Epstein-related files, seeking to bypass congressional leadership. The effort requires 218 signatures, which the pair hopes to secure to push for transparency.
Massie, a Republican, has been vocal about the need for more disclosure from the Trump administration, which previously denied that Epstein had a ‘client list’ or that he was murdered, despite claims from Trump and his allies during the 2024 campaign. The discharge petition is seen as a rare procedural tool that is unlikely to succeed, as many GOP members are reluctant to defy their leadership even if they support the principle of transparency.
Democrats have capitalized on the controversy, using the procedural vote as an opportunity to challenge the GOP’s stance on the issue. The petition’s success could set a precedent for future calls for transparency, though the political divide remains a significant obstacle.