Congress has reignited its long-running debate over the release of Jeffrey Epstein’s files as lawmakers return from their summer recess. The issue, which had dominated legislative discussions before the break, resurfaced as House Republicans faced pressure from both sides of the aisle.
Republican Thomas Massie and Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna, who joined forces to bypass House Speaker Mike Johnson’s leadership, are pushing a discharge petition to force a House vote on releasing the files. This bipartisan effort has intensified as victims of Epstein’s crimes have taken to the Capitol to share their experiences, highlighting the continued public demand for transparency.
The dispute over Epstein’s files now threatens to disrupt the House’s ability to address ordinary legislative priorities, as both sides navigate the complex dynamics of political accountability and public outrage. The Epstein files, which have already included some 32,000 pages of documents, have become a focal point of political maneuvering in Washington. The House Oversight Committee’s release of materials, including a new video of the so-called ‘missing minute’ from Epstein’s New York jail cell, has not satisfied all advocates for further transparency. Massie and Khanna argue that more information is being withheld, particularly to protect reputations rather than privacy.
House Speaker Mike Johnson has sought to maintain control over the situation by proposing a resolution that would formalize the Oversight Committee’s inquiry without triggering a direct vote on the Epstein files. This approach is designed to appease both Trump and Republican constituents without exposing Republicans to the political fallout of a direct vote. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump has criticized the efforts as a ‘Democrat hoax,’ linking the issue to the controversy surrounding former President John F. Kennedy. His comments have drawn sharp rebukes from figures like Thomas Massie, who accuse him of using the Epstein files as a political shield.
Victims of Epstein’s alleged crimes, including Haley Robson and Chauntae Davies, have shared harrowing accounts at the Capitol, detailing the psychological and physical trauma they endured. These testimonies have galvanized public support for the release of additional materials, with some lawmakers, like Marjorie Taylor Greene, vowing to name individuals associated with Epstein. The growing public pressure, combined with the political stakes, continues to keep the Epstein matter at the forefront of the legislative agenda, potentially affecting the House’s ability to tackle other pressing issues.