On Tuesday, Rep. Thomas Massey (R-KY) announced plans to utilize Longshot’s procedural tactics to push for a vote against the Justice Department’s request to publish documents connected to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
This move comes amidst increasing criticism from parts of the GOP base regarding how the Trump administration has managed information about questionable lenders, as Trump attempts to downplay the situation.
“We all deserve transparency regarding the Epstein Files, including who is involved and how extensive this corruption goes. Americans deserve justice,” Massey stated on Tuesday.
He also mentioned that they are filing discharge petitions to prompt a vote in the U.S. House of Representatives aimed at releasing the complete file.
The resolution co-sponsored by Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) informed Attorney General Pam Bondi that it called for the publication of all records, documents, communications, and investigative materials held by the Department of Justice in a searchable and downloadable format.
The resolution emphasizes that these files should not be withheld, delayed, or edited, even if their release could cause “embarrassment, reputational harm, or political sensitivity” involving government officials or public figures.
To bypass House leadership and force a vote on this matter, the discharge petition requires 218 signatures, which is typically a challenging feat. Members are often reluctant to go against their leaders, making successful petitions rare.
However, Massey has not shied away from crossing paths with both Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) and Trump. He has voiced opposition to the White House’s military action against Iran and voted against Trump’s significant legislative proposal, which resulted in some tension with his efforts in the Central region.
Simultaneously, Khanna has led Democratic calls for a House vote to disclose the Epstein Files.
Meanwhile, right-wing figures, who have previously promoted conspiracy theories surrounding Epstein, have directed their frustration towards the Trump administration, and particularly Bondi, after a recent Justice Department memo aimed to debunk these theories.
This memo stated that there was no proof of Epstein maintaining a “client list” or attempting to intimidate individuals related to his crimes. It also asserted that Epstein’s death was ruled as suicide, countering claims that he was murdered in prison.
Khanna reached out to the Department of Justice for further comments.
