House Republicans Support Bipartisan Bill to Release Epstein Files

House Republicans are tentatively in favor of a bipartisan bill that would require the Department of Justice (DOJ) to disclose all documents connected to the Jeffrey Epstein case. This backing came after President Donald Trump endorsed the bill on Sunday night.

On Monday, GOP lawmakers expressed to FOX News Digital their inclination to vote for the legislation, believing that many of their colleagues would join them. However, a number of them voiced lingering worries regarding the specifics of the bill.

This development follows a statement from House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana). While he initially opposed the bill, he is advocating for transparency measures in the Epstein case. Johnson mentioned he hopes significant modifications would occur in the Senate to ensure the protection of innocent individuals whose names might appear in the documents, possibly against their consent.

“I have serious concerns about the wording in the House draft,” Johnson remarked. “Still, knowing that there are safeguards for victims and whistleblowers offers some comfort, and I believe those concerns will be addressed as the bill moves along.”

The proposed bill is set to be introduced in the House on Tuesday via a mechanism known as a petition for removal, led by Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) and Rep. Thomas Massey (R-Kentucky), though Massey and Trump have found themselves at odds on several topics this year.

If a petition for removal garners enough support from House members, it can bypass leadership objections. According to reports, it has already gained favorable backing in recent discussions.

Rep. Byron Donald (R-Fla.), an ally of Trump and a gubernatorial candidate in Florida, expressed his support for the bill but echoed Johnson’s reservations. “Historically, the Congress has never released a crime file. There are victims involved here. While efforts to redact their names are commendable, this doesn’t guarantee absolute protection,” Donald stated. “There could be victims who prefer not to be identified or relive their experiences, which raises serious ethical questions.”

Despite his concerns, Donald stated he would vote in favor of the legislation to facilitate closure for the victims. “It’s becoming a distraction in Congress, and if victims experienced abuse, they deserve justice,” he expressed.

“I plan to support it, though it’s not without flaws, and various issues require attention,” said August Pflueger (R-Florida), Chairman of the Republican Study Committee. He emphasized the need for transparency, indicating that such transparency is crucial for his constituents. Pflueger reassured that the necessary adjustments would be made in the Senate, especially after Trump’s endorsement.

Rep. Erin Houchin (R-Ind.) stated she has held similar concerns from the outset, believing that it’s now the Senate’s responsibility to determine if further protections are warranted. She expressed readiness to push the bill forward in the House.

Rep. Andy Ogles (R-Tenn.), part of the conservative House Freedom Caucus, questioned whether Congress’s actions might disrupt the DOJ’s ongoing investigation into Epstein. Nonetheless, he thinks most Republicans will back the bill, citing Trump’s support as a pivotal factor.

“His backing relieves some pressure for Republicans, I think. Most will likely agree with the bill, but it shouldn’t spark any significant controversy,” Rep. Rich McCormick (R-Ga.) added.

While some, like Rep. Russell Frey (R-S.C.), believed Trump’s endorsement’s effect was overstated, he acknowledged public sentiment for closure regarding Epstein’s case. Frey asserted that House Republicans ought to approve the release of the files, given that there is nothing to conceal.

Trump emphasized on social media that it was time to let the Epstein files be released, underpinning his belief in the necessity of transparency.

Interestingly, Rep. Troy Neals (R-Texas), who initially opposed the bill, reversed his stance following Trump’s announcement, indicating that there seems to be widespread support now.

Chairman of the House Oversight Committee, James Comer (R-Ky.), who has been a leading figure in the investigation into the Epstein scandal, also seemed to align with the bill’s momentum on Monday.

Massey later mentioned his openness to amendments in the Senate but urged caution, stressing that any attempts to delay the bill would face backlash from their voter base. “It’s crucial to see through this and get it voted on,” he remarked.

As of now, Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) has not disclosed how he intends to proceed if the House passes the bill.