Kentucky Lawmaker Pushes for Epstein File Transparency
As lawmakers regroup after a five-week break, Rep. Thomas Massey, a Republican from Kentucky, is prioritizing the release of files related to Jeffrey Epstein.
While many Republicans have largely addressed the Epstein saga, Massey is reigniting the call for more transparency concerning these documents.
“Massey quickly criticized the recent motion, labeling it a ‘meaningless vote.’
He announced he plans to file a discharge petition when the House of Representatives reconvenes on Monday, provided he secures at least 218 signatures from fellow lawmakers. After all 212 Democrats sign, he’ll still need six Republicans to back him.
“I hope Johnson hears the victims’ demands for justice and makes an effort to prevent votes on the legislation that would release the Epstein files,” Massey stated in a post.
Additionally, Massey’s bill, which is co-sponsored by California Democrat Ro Khanna, mandates the public release of all Epstein-related materials from the DOJ, FBI, and U.S. law firms within 30 days of the bill’s approval.
The legislation also compels Attorney General Pam Bondy to provide a report to the House and Senate Judiciary Committees, detailing any records released or withheld, along with a summary and legal rationale for all decisions made. Furthermore, it requires listing “politically exposed persons” mentioned in the documents.
The bill stipulates that no information can be withheld due to “embarrassment, reputational harm, or political sensitivity” related to government officials, public figures, or foreign entities.
However, it does allow for redactions to protect the privacy of abuse victims, ongoing federal investigations, or sensitive national defense matters.
Massey and Khanna continue to advocate for transparency, but House leadership is also moving forward with a vote on a measure that targets the Oversight Committee to “continue the investigation” into potential governmental mismanagement in the Epstein case.
Massey, however, has already pushed back against that approach, calling it a “meaningless vote” providing “political cover” to those opposed to his bipartisan bill. He and Khanna are set to host a press conference alongside ten Epstein victims on Wednesday to draw attention to the legislation.
