A bipartisan coalition in the U.S. House of Representatives is predicting a major breakthrough this week as lawmakers press ahead with a bill compelling the Justice Department to release all files tied to the sex-trafficking investigation involving Jeffrey Epstein. The effort, led by Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky and Rep. Ro Khanna of California, has grown into a rare cross-party rebellion against Republican leadership and former President Donald Trump.<\/p>\n
The bill would require the public release of all documents, communications and investigative materials related to Epstein\u2019s activities and his death in federal custody, with redactions allowed only for information identifying victims or affecting ongoing investigations. After months of internal clashes, Massie said on Sunday that support inside the GOP has surged.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere could be 100 or more,\u201d he said, insisting that the bill could even secure a veto-proof majority.<\/p>\n
The push gathered force earlier this month when newly sworn-in Rep. Adelita Grijalva became the 218th signature on a discharge petition an uncommon procedural move that allows lawmakers to bypass leadership and force a floor vote. Speaker Mike Johnson had previously dismissed the effort and sent members home early in August as calls for an Epstein vote escalated.<\/p>\n
Despite months of resisting the petition, Johnson now appears ready to accept an overwhelming vote. \u201cWe\u2019ll just get this done and move it on. There\u2019s nothing to hide,\u201d he said, insisting that the Oversight Committee has already disclosed more information than the petition sought.<\/p>\n
The upcoming vote coincides with the release of new documents raising fresh questions about Epstein and his network, including a 2019 email in which Epstein claimed Trump \u201cknew about the girls.\u201d The White House has accused Democrats of selectively leaking that document to damage the former president.<\/p>\n
Trump, who has long acknowledged knowing Epstein socially, has not been accused of wrongdoing. His name, like many others in political and celebrity circles, appears in multiple case files released earlier this year by the Justice Department.<\/p>\n
Still, the political pressure inside the GOP is growing. Massie warned that Republicans who vote against disclosure may face long-term backlash: \u201cThe record of this vote will last longer than Donald Trump\u2019s presidency.\u201d<\/p>\n
Even within the MAGA wing, the issue has triggered rare fractures. Reps. Marjorie Taylor Greene, Nancy Mace and Lauren Boebert joined Massie in signing the discharge petition. Trump retaliated by severing ties with Greene and signalling support for a challenger in 2026. Greene responded that the public deserves full transparency.<\/p>\n
\u201cI have no idea what\u2019s in the files,\u201d she said. \u201cBut that is the question everyone is asking why fight this so hard?\u201d<\/p>\n
Despite the momentum in the House, the bill\u2019s fate in the Senate remains uncertain. Massie said he hopes Majority Leader John Thune will \u201cdo the right thing,\u201d arguing that a strong House vote could create unavoidable pressure.<\/p>\n
Survivors of Epstein\u2019s abuse are expected to be present at the Capitol on Tuesday as lawmakers press for accountability.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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