Lawmakers Intensify Push for Full Jeffrey Epstein File Release with Discharge Petition
Rep. Thomas Massie filed a discharge petition to force a House vote on releasing all Jeffrey Epstein files. This bipartisan effort, needing 218 signatures, aims to compel the Justice Department to disclose documents.
Massie bucks GOP leadership with Epstein files discharge petition
Washington Examiner
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Overview
- Rep. Thomas Massie initiated a discharge petition to compel a House vote on releasing all Jeffrey Epstein files, aiming to force the Justice Department to disclose these documents.
- The discharge petition requires 218 signatures to bypass House leadership and bring the bill directly before the full House for a vote on the Epstein files.
- Rep. Ro Khanna believes that with the support of all 212 Democrats and at least six Republicans, enough signatures can be gathered to force this crucial vote.
- Massie and Khanna previously introduced legislation in July to mandate the release of Epstein files within 30 days, initiating their push before the summer recess.
- The House Rules Committee will consider a resolution directing the Oversight Committee to continue investigating the mismanagement of the Epstein and Maxwell case.
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Analysis
Center-leaning sources cover the ongoing debate surrounding the release of Jeffrey Epstein files with a focus on presenting multiple perspectives. They detail the procedural efforts by Rep. Massie and Rep. Khanna to force a vote, alongside Speaker Johnson's opposition and his preference for a House Oversight Committee investigation, explaining the rationale behind each approach.
"Speaker Mike Johnson told reporters Tuesday Republicans are committed to transparency and justice -- despite fractures within his conference on how to address the Epstein issue."
ABC News"The push to release the Epstein files reached a fever pitch, including among President Trump's base, after the Justice Department issued the findings of an internal review in July that found no "client list" or evidence that Epstein had blackmailed prominent figures."
CBS News"The bipartisan discharge push coincides with a group of survivors from the Epstein case traveling to Capitol Hill for both public and private events."
NBC NewsArticles (10)
FAQ
A discharge petition is a procedural tool in the U.S. House of Representatives that allows members to bypass committee leadership and bring a bill directly to the floor for a vote if it gathers enough signatures, typically 218. In this case, Rep. Thomas Massie filed a discharge petition to force a House vote on releasing all Jeffrey Epstein files, aiming to compel the Department of Justice to disclose documents despite lack of leadership support.
The discharge petition requires 218 signatures from House members to bypass House leadership and bring the bill mandating the release of Epstein files to a full House vote.
Massie and Khanna introduced legislation in July 2025 to mandate the release of Epstein files within 30 days, starting their push well before the current discharge petition effort, indicating ongoing bipartisan efforts to demand transparency.
The House Rules Committee is set to consider a resolution directing the Oversight Committee to continue investigating the mismanagement of the Epstein and Maxwell cases, meaning the Rules Committee manages procedural considerations while the Oversight Committee investigates the Justice Department’s handling and record releases.
Yes, the House Committee on Oversight has released tens of thousands of Epstein-related records provided by the Department of Justice, including over 33,000 pages, while ensuring victim identities and child abuse material remain redacted for privacy and legal reasons.
History
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