House Republicans are poised to hold a vote this week on a bill that would force the full release of Justice Department files related to Jeffrey Epstein, sources close to the matter confirm. The move comes after Democrats and four Republican lawmakers successfully brought a petition to the floor last week, bypassing GOP leaders.
The bipartisan legislation, known as the Epstein Files Transparency Act, was first introduced in July by Representatives Ro Khanna (D-CA) and Thomas Massie (R-KY). It seeks to release documents related to all investigations into Epstein and his associate Ghislaine Maxwell, who was convicted of sex trafficking in 2021. The bill would compel the release of flight logs, travel records, names of individuals and entities referenced in any Epstein case, as well as internal Justice Department communications.
The legislation also demands the public release of records concerning the destruction or concealment of documents related to Epstein's death, which occurred by suicide in 2019 at a Manhattan correctional facility while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. The bill is supported by Rep. Khanna, who believes that "40, 50 Republicans" will vote in favor of it.
While its passage in the House is uncertain, Rep. Khanna's optimism suggests that the bill could push for a release of the files from the Justice Department, even if the Senate does not take it up. Last week, the House Oversight Committee released over 20,000 pages of documents from Epstein's estate, including emails exchanged between Epstein and others about President Trump.
President Trump has expressed no interest in releasing the files, stating that he "doesn't care" about their release. When asked about potential investigations into Epstein's involvement with prominent Democrats, including former President Bill Clinton, Mr. Trump suggested that investigators should focus on Epstein's associates rather than him.
The bipartisan legislation, known as the Epstein Files Transparency Act, was first introduced in July by Representatives Ro Khanna (D-CA) and Thomas Massie (R-KY). It seeks to release documents related to all investigations into Epstein and his associate Ghislaine Maxwell, who was convicted of sex trafficking in 2021. The bill would compel the release of flight logs, travel records, names of individuals and entities referenced in any Epstein case, as well as internal Justice Department communications.
The legislation also demands the public release of records concerning the destruction or concealment of documents related to Epstein's death, which occurred by suicide in 2019 at a Manhattan correctional facility while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. The bill is supported by Rep. Khanna, who believes that "40, 50 Republicans" will vote in favor of it.
While its passage in the House is uncertain, Rep. Khanna's optimism suggests that the bill could push for a release of the files from the Justice Department, even if the Senate does not take it up. Last week, the House Oversight Committee released over 20,000 pages of documents from Epstein's estate, including emails exchanged between Epstein and others about President Trump.
President Trump has expressed no interest in releasing the files, stating that he "doesn't care" about their release. When asked about potential investigations into Epstein's involvement with prominent Democrats, including former President Bill Clinton, Mr. Trump suggested that investigators should focus on Epstein's associates rather than him.