Support is growing among Republican lawmakers for legislation aimed at compelling the Department of Justice (DOJ) to release additional files related to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. This legislative push comes despite Donald Trump‘s public urging for party members to abandon the issue.
On March 6, 2024, Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky, leading the initiative alongside Representative Ro Khanna of California, announced via social media that five more Republicans have joined as co-sponsors. These include Representatives Lauren Boebert from Colorado, Jeff Van Drew from New Jersey, Marjorie Taylor Greene from Georgia, Eric Burlison from Missouri, and Tim Burchett from Tennessee.
In a post on X, Van Drew emphasized the need for transparency, stating, “The American people deserve full transparency.” Greene added her commitment to the cause, asserting, “I will never protect pedophiles or the elites and their circles.” Their endorsements reflect a division within the Republican Party, as Trump continues to label concerns about the Epstein matter as a “hoax,” urging supporters to move on.
A memo from the DOJ and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) earlier this month indicated that no further information would be released regarding the Epstein case, which remains largely sealed by court order. This announcement has provoked outrage among some members of Trump’s conservative base. On the social media platform Truth Social, Trump expressed his frustration, stating, “I don’t want their support anymore!” in reference to those focused on the Epstein case.
In response to the lack of action, Massie and Khanna have proposed a discharge petition, a legislative maneuver that could bypass House leadership and force a vote on the measure. This approach requires at least 218 signatures, a majority of the House, to succeed. If all Democrats support the petition, only a small number of Republican votes would be needed to trigger the vote, making the backing of the six Republicans particularly significant.
House Speaker Mike Johnson of Louisiana stirred controversy on March 5, 2024, by suggesting that the Trump administration should release all pertinent information, seemingly at odds with Trump’s stance. Following backlash, Johnson clarified his comments, stating, “We’re for transparency,” and reaffirming his alignment with Trump, encouraging the release of credible information for the public’s assessment.
The proposed legislation mandates that Attorney General Pam Bondi make publicly available all unclassified records, documents, communications, and investigative materials related to Epstein within 30 days of enactment. The measure explicitly states that files cannot be withheld or redacted due to potential embarrassment or political sensitivity, including regarding government officials or public figures.
As this legislative initiative progresses, it highlights ongoing tensions within the Republican Party and raises questions about transparency and accountability in high-profile cases. The outcome of this effort will be closely watched as lawmakers debate the balance between public interest and the protection of sensitive information.
