House Rules Chair Virginia Foxx confirmed on Tuesday that Republicans will not attempt to block Rep. Thomas Massie’s discharge petition effort in the Rules Committee. The bipartisan bill, which aims to compel the Justice Department to release all Epstein-related files, is set to be unveiled by Massie. GOP leaders have been cautious in avoiding such measures, emphasizing their commitment to transparency while ensuring the protection of victims.
Speaker Mike Johnson, who chairs the House of Representatives, stated his intention to meet with a group of Epstein victims later Tuesday on the Hill. Johnson expressed skepticism about Mass, saying, “I would not put much stock into what Thomas Massie says. The House Republicans have been very consistent about maximum disclosure and maximum transparency with the Epstein file, but we had to do the way that would protect the innocent victims of these horrific crimes.” This statement underscores the ongoing tension between the demand for transparency and the necessity of safeguarding victims’ identities and privacy.