Politicians really just want to sit around and collect their paycheck. But sometimes they have to do things they aren’t happy about.
And now a GOP Congressman threatened to force a vote that is turning heads.
Massie Pushes for Epstein Files Release Vote
Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) announced plans to force a House vote after the August recess to unseal documents related to Jeffrey Epstein’s sex trafficking case, leveraging bipartisan support to ensure transparency.
Appearing on ABC’s “This Week,” Massie declared, “Well, I think we should get a lot more than just the book. Let’s get the financial records of the estate, follow the money, as they say up here. We should look at the plea-bargain, open that up, see what was the deal, what was the deal that was cut.”
He emphasized the need for a comprehensive release, including Epstein’s estate financials and the 2008 plea deal, to uncover details about the financier’s operations.
Massie’s initiative, backed by President Donald Trump’s call for openness, reflects a growing demand to address lingering questions about Epstein’s case, which continues to captivate public attention.
Bipartisan Discharge Petition Gains Traction
Massie, alongside Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA), is utilizing a discharge petition to bypass House leadership and bring the Epstein files release to a floor vote, requiring 218 signatures.
He noted, “Ro Khanna and I are using a procedure called a discharge petition whereby if we get 218 votes, and we’re well on our way to that, 218 signatures, then we can force the vote.”
With 12 Republican co-sponsors and potential Democratic support, Massie stated, “If every Democrat signs this, I have 12 Republican co-sponsors and I only need six to sign it.”
Host Jonathan Karl raised concerns about challenging Speaker Mike Johnson’s control, to which Massie responded, “I think the pressure will build over August recess. I don’t think it will dissipate like the speaker hopes that it will.”
The petition’s momentum underscores Trump’s influence in pushing for accountability, aligning with his commitment to transparency.
Public Pressure and Legislative Strategy
Massie predicted that public and political pressure will intensify, ensuring the vote proceeds, stating:
“If merely just half the people who have co-sponsored this legislation follow through and sign it, then it’s going to come to the floor for a vote.”
The Epstein case, marked by his 2008 lenient plea deal and 2019 death ruled a suicide, has fueled speculation about connections to influential figures. Massie’s call for financial records and plea deal details aims to “follow the money” and reveal any hidden agreements.
Supported by Trump, who has endorsed releasing related grand jury testimony, Massie’s effort highlights a rare bipartisan push to address a high-profile controversy, with the discharge petition serving as a strategic tool to overcome potential resistance from House leadership and deliver answers to the American public.
