House Votes on Releasing Epstein Files Amid Political Tensions
The U.S. House of Representatives is set to vote on the release of Justice Department files related to Jeffrey Epstein, following bipartisan efforts and internal party conflicts.
The U.S. House of Representatives is poised to vote on the release of Justice Department files concerning the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. This development follows a bipartisan discharge petition that garnered the necessary 218 signatures, compelling a floor vote. Representative Adelita Grijalva (D-Arizona), sworn in on November 12, provided the decisive signature, stating, "Justice cannot wait another day. Adelante."
The petition, initiated by Representatives Thomas Massie (R-Kentucky) and Ro Khanna (D-California), aims to mandate the Attorney General to release all documents related to Epstein, excluding victim identities, within 30 days of enactment.
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana) announced the upcoming vote, despite his opposition to the bill. He emphasized the need to balance transparency with victim protection, cautioning against actions that might retraumatize survivors.
The initiative has exposed divisions within the Republican Party. Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Georgia), a former ally of President Donald Trump, has been vocal in her support for the files' release. She criticized Trump's handling of the issue, stating it has "ripped Maga apart."
President Trump, who previously dismissed the push as a "Democrat hoax," has recently shifted his stance, indicating he would sign the measure if passed. He remarked, "We'll give them everything. Let the Senate look at it, let anybody look at it."
The House vote is scheduled for November 18, 2025. If the bill passes, it will proceed to the Senate, where its fate remains uncertain. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-South Dakota) has not committed to bringing the measure to a vote.
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