House Republicans Force Vote on Epstein Files Despite Speaker Johnson’s Opposition

A bipartisan group of House members, led by Kentucky Republican Rep. Thomas Massie and California Democrat Rep. Ro Khanna, has successfully gathered enough signatures for a discharge petition to force a floor vote on the release of additional Jeffrey Epstein-related documents. This move comes despite Speaker Mike Johnson’s earlier statements that he would not allow votes on such measures before the House’s August recess.

The discharge petition, which requires 218 signatures to bypass House leadership, has garnered support from all 212 House Democrats and at least 10 Republicans, including prominent figures like Reps. Marjorie Taylor Greene and Lauren Boebert. This bipartisan push aims to compel the Trump administration to release “all unclassified records, documents, communications, and investigative materials” related to Epstein within 30 days, along with a list of all government officials and politically exposed persons named or referenced therein.

Speaker Johnson had previously indicated that the administration needed “space” to conduct its own review, echoing President Trump’s position. However, the growing momentum for transparency among both conservatives and moderates, fueled by constituent demands, has circumvented his stance. While a non-binding resolution on Epstein files was advanced by the House Rules Committee last week, the discharge petition represents a more direct and forceful attempt to mandate the release of information.

The vote on this measure is not expected until after Labor Day, when lawmakers return from their five-week summer recess. This procedural maneuver requires seven legislative days before signatures can be formally collected. The push highlights a rare instance of bipartisan agreement and a significant challenge to House leadership on an issue that continues to generate intense public interest and conspiracy theories.

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