Epstein file release gains bipartisan backing

A growing bipartisan coalition in the U.S. House of Representatives is pressing for the release of more unclassified materials related to Jeffrey Epstein — and appears to have enough support to bypass House Speaker Mike Johnson.

(CNN)- A growing bipartisan coalition in the U.S. House of Representatives is pressing for the release of more unclassified materials related to Jeffrey Epstein — and appears to have enough support to bypass House Speaker Mike Johnson.

The effort is being led by Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) and Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA), who introduced a discharge petition that would force a House vote on a measure to give the Trump administration 30 days to release additional Epstein-related files. The petition needs 218 signatures to advance, and with Democrats able to supply nearly all of them, only a handful of Republicans are needed to put it over the top.

“When the Speaker stands in the way of justice and transparency, this is how we get justice,” said Massie.

Democratic House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries voiced his support for the effort, saying, “What are they hiding from the American people? Release the files.”

Several House Republicans have also come out in favor of the petition, citing mounting pressure from constituents.
“They don’t want things covered up, especially when it comes to the most well-known convicted pedophile in modern-day history,” said Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA).
Rep. Ralph Norman (R-SC) added, “Files are gonna have to come out,” while Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE) said, “I think sunlight’s good — it’s good medicine.”

Despite the growing support, the petition won’t be eligible for floor action until after the five-week August recess due to procedural rules.

House Speaker Mike Johnson has the option to bring a related, non-binding resolution to the floor this week — but has indicated he won’t.
“He’s [President Trump] asked the Attorney General to request the grand jury files of the court. All of that is in process right now,” Johnson said. “My belief is we need the administration to have the space to do what it is doing, and if further congressional action is necessary or appropriate, then we’ll look at that.”