House discharge petition aims to force vote on new Epstein files law after elections

Lawmakers are preparing a second push to obtain the unreleased portions of the Jeffrey Epstein investigation. Rep. Thomas Massie has filed a discharge petition that is just two signatures shy of the 218 needed to obligate the House to consider the Epstein Files Transparency Act II. The proposal expands on last year’s successful effort that released thousands of Justice Department records, adding provisions that allow state attorneys general, prosecutors and victims to sue the federal government for withholding documents and obligate the Attorney General to supply unredacted copies.

The petition currently counts 216 signatures, with Republican members Ralph Norman, Lauren Boebert and Brian Fitzpatrick already on board, and Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna expected to add the final needed support in November. Should the petition succeed, Speaker Mike Johnson would be required to schedule a vote within seven legislative days when the chamber reconvenes. The move follows a House Oversight Committee report alleging the DOJ continues to withhold pages related to a victim who accused President Donald Trump of assault, and recent court warnings that Attorney General Todd Blanche could face contempt charges for non-compliance.