Some Republicans are saying it’s only a matter of time before Congress pushes through a law requiring Attorney General Pam Bondy to release all files connected to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
President Trump has been trying to quiet the calls from within the GOP and from Maga activists, but it seems some Republican lawmakers feel he’s losing the battle to move past the controversy that’s been a thorn in the White House’s side since this summer.
A Republican senator, speaking on the condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the topic, mentioned to Hill that Congress will eventually pass legislation directing Bondy to make all uncategorized Epstein files available.
This senator noted many Republicans, under the guidance of Speaker Mike Johnson from Louisiana, chose not to support a discharge petition aimed at bringing Epstein’s issues to the House floor, as they were quite vocal about demanding the Justice Department release all materials associated with Epstein.
“They were very outspoken about this, particularly the Free Caucus,” the senator remarked. “The trouble is, some of these issues have lingered for years.”
The senator also highlighted Bondy’s statement from February about reviewing Epstein’s client list on her desk, which raised expectations that the administration might eventually disclose the names of wealthy men involved in the exploitation of Epstein’s victims.
“That really wasn’t a smart move,” he added.
Republican lawmakers are optimistic that Thomas Massey (R-KY) and Ro Khanna (D-CA) can rally enough support to push a bill aimed at releasing Epstein files through Congress and get the necessary signatures soon.
They just need one more vote in addition to the 218 signatures required for a vote.
If a special election in Arizona takes place on September 23rd, they could meet this threshold if Adelita Grijalva, who won the Democratic primary, secures the seat vacated by her late father, Rep. Raul Grijalva.
Currently, only four Republicans have actively pushed for the release of Epstein files, including Massey, Marjorie Taylor Greene from Georgia, Nancy Mace from South Carolina, and Lauren Boebert from Colorado.
However, more Republicans might back this effort when it’s formally presented.
For instance, Rep. Eric Burlison (R-MO), who hasn’t signed any petitions, has spoken out about the need for the Trump administration to prioritize releasing Epstein files.
“I think people are just fed up with government secrecy and want to know the truth,” Burlison told Missourinet back in July.
Another Republican, Rep. Tim Burchett (R-TN), has also shown interest in having Epstein files released to the Justice Department, especially after Trump claimed in July that allegations surrounding Epstein were just Democratic fabrications.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) wasn’t drawn into commenting when pressed about a potential law to direct the Senate to vote on releasing Epstein files, referring to it as a “hypothetical” situation.
Still, Thune acknowledged he’s called for greater transparency from Bondy and FBI Director Kash Patel.
“At this point, I can’t really comment. The House is discussing it; transparency is always the best option,” he told reporters, emphasizing the need for information that respects victims’ rights.
Thune seemed surprised when Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (NY) introduced an amendment to the defense bill, aiming to require the release of Epstein-related files.
Thune didn’t block the amendment tree promptly after the defense bill was introduced, allowing Schumer to present his proposal, which put GOP Senators in a tricky position.
Even as Thune and the Republican leadership pushed back against the amendment, Senators Josh Hawley (R-MO) and Rand Paul (R-KY) sided with the call for more transparency.
Hawley mentioned he couldn’t support a measure limiting the Justice Department’s obligations regarding the Epstein investigation.
“We need to release these files and restore public trust, just as we’ve done with MLK and JFK files,” he said.
Paul, a libertarian-leaning conservative, didn’t touch on the Epstein controversy much, but when it came time to vote, he felt compelled to support the amendment for Justice Department transparency.
“People are losing faith in government, feeling that rich individuals get special treatment,” he noted, pointing out public suspicion over the Justice Department potentially shielding Epstein’s wealthy clients.
“There’s a perception out there that something shady happened, like a secret deal to protect the affluent,” he explained. “It’s hard to have a legal framework when people think justice isn’t meted out equally.”
He added that opening Epstein’s files could help reassure the public of fairness in the justice system.
Paul also asserted that there’s likely broader support among Republicans for releasing Epstein files than the mere four who signed the discharge petition.
“There’s vigorous lobbying against it, hence the low number of Republicans who have endorsed it,” he said.
“Leadership seems to be doing all they can to stifle dissent,” Paul remarked about the GOP hierarchy.
Signs are indeed pointing toward increasing Republican support for demanding the release of files from the Justice Department.
Sen. Tom Tillis (R-NC) voted against Schumer’s amendment, referring to it as a mere procedural vote. He expressed confidence that Republican leaders would ensure it’s removed from the final defense bill unless it garners enough votes.
Nevertheless, he mentioned he’d favor any legitimate proposal to publish Epstein’s files without hesitation.
“If it came to a real vote, I’d support it in a heartbeat,” he said.
In another indication of shifting momentum, Republicans on the Ways and Means Committee agreed this summer to add an amendment proposed by Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) to an appropriations bill. This amendment would require the Attorney General to maintain and compile records related to Epstein’s investigation and submit a comprehensive report to the Senate detailing the inquiries into victims, testimonies, and Epstein’s connections to US and foreign governments.
