A growing number of House Republicans are backing a bipartisan effort to force a vote on the Jeffrey Epstein Files Vote. Representative Thomas Massie (R‑Ky.) teamed with Representative Ro Khanna (D‑Calif.) to introduce a discharge petition that, with 218 signatures, would compel the House to vote on legislation mandating the release of Epstein‑related records within 30 days.
Massie declared, “We all deserve to know what’s in the Epstein files, who’s implicated, and how deep this corruption goes.”
At least five Republicans—including Marjorie Taylor Greene, Lauren Boebert, Tim Burchett, Eric Burlison, and Jeff Van Drew—have already signed the petition
Speaker Johnson’s mixed signals on transparency
House Speaker Mike Johnson backed greater transparency, stating Republicans “should put everything out there and let the people decide,” but then blocked a procedural move that would have enabled a floor vote on the matter. His stance mirrors President Trump’s shifting tone—from initially calling the Epstein controversy a “hoax” to later directing the Justice Department to release grand jury transcripts
MAGA base and GOP establishment at odds
The Epstein Files Vote has deepened GOP divisions. A recent CNN poll found only 3% of Americans satisfied with government transparency on Epstein—just 4% among Republicans. Within the party, conservative voices like Marjorie Taylor Greene, Tucker Carlson, and Dan Bongino argue for full disclosure, while others urge caution. Massie’s coalition has garnered growing support and may secure a vote even before the August recess.
Implications for GOP unity ahead of elections
With mounting internal discord, Republicans risk a fractured message ahead of key elections. While Trump emphasises his broader accomplishments and labels critics “weaklings,” momentum is building behind the Epstein Files Vote, signalling a potential turning point in the party’s stance on transparency.rning point in the party’s stance on transparency.
