With discharge petition, Massie continues crusade for release of Epstein files [View all]

Source: Roll Call

Posted September 2, 2025 at 4:26pm


As the House returns from a monthlong recess, Rep. Thomas Massie is applying renewed pressure on the government to release records related to the disgraced financier and sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. He lost no time Tuesday, sounding off on the so-called Epstein files and taking a procedural step that could cause headaches for Speaker Mike Johnson during the busy month ahead.

Massie’s plans were temporarily interrupted when Johnson sent the House home ahead of schedule in July — in part due to attempts by lawmakers to dislodge Epstein documents over the objections of the Trump administration.

But in his first move back after the recess, Massie formally filed a discharge petition in an effort to circumvent leadership and force a vote. If the petition receives 218 signatures, it could be used to bring legislation to the floor that would call for the disclosure of records, documents, and investigative materials related to Epstein that are currently in the possession of the Department of Justice.

“I pray [Johnson] will listen to the pleas of these victims for justice and quit trying to block a vote on our legislation to release the Epstein files,” Massie posted to X on Tuesday.

Read more: https://rollcall.com/2025/09/02/with-discharge-petition-massie-continues-crusade-for-release-of-epstein-files/