Rep. Thomas Massie launches Epstein files discharge petition
Rep. Thomas Massie filed a discharge petition Monday night on the Epstein Files Transparency Act II, aiming to force a House vote on legislation that would compel the Justice Department to release withheld Jeffrey Epstein case files and give victims, state attorneys general, and members of Congress standing to sue the DOJ for failing to follow the original transparency law.
The Kentucky Republican told The Washington Times he never expected the nation's top law enforcement officer would refuse to enforce a law once enacted. His first discharge petition helped pass the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which required the Justice Department to release case files. The follow-up bill targets documents the government still has not disclosed.
Key Takeaways
- Massie filed the discharge petition Monday night; 218 House signatures would force a floor vote.
- The bill would let victims, state AGs, and Congress sue the DOJ over withheld Epstein files.
- New Mexico AG Raul Torrez sparked the effort after DOJ blocked unredacted records for a Zorro Ranch probe.
- Massie is again partnering with Rep. Ro Khanna; he needs three Republicans beyond expected Democratic support.
- The measure bars DOJ from citing deliberative process privilege to withhold mandated documents.
Why Did Massie Launch a Second Discharge Petition?
Massie said Attorney General Todd Blanche stonewalled New Mexico Attorney General Raul Torrez when Torrez sought unredacted files for a criminal investigation tied to potential sex crimes at Epstein's Zorro Ranch south of Santa Fe. Torrez said in July his office had waited too long for federal records needed to finish that probe.
Massie called that resistance somewhat unprecedented and told The Washington Times the bill unambiguously gives state attorneys general unfettered access so they can prosecute related crimes. Torrez and attorneys for Epstein's victims helped draft the legislation.
What Would the Epstein Files Transparency Act II Do?
Beyond forcing release of still-missing files, the bill allows Epstein victims to obtain unredacted records involving their personal accounts, including FBI interview notes. It also gives members of Congress standing to sue the Justice Department for failing to release prosecution and investigation decision documents the original law required.
Massie said DOJ has asserted deliberative process privilege, a FOIA concept, to withhold memos, texts, and emails despite the first law's intent. The follow-up measure states DOJ cannot use deliberative process or other common law privileges as excuses. Challenges could be filed in federal courts outside Washington, D.C., including where a survivor or lawmaker resides.
Can the Discharge Petition Force a House Vote?
A discharge petition needs 218 signatures to bypass leadership and bring the bill to the floor, the same mechanism Massie used to enact the first Epstein Files Transparency Act despite Trump administration resistance at the time. Massie expects all Democrats to sign, including two members set to be sworn in after August special elections in California and Georgia.
If every Democrat joins, Massie would need only three more Republicans. Reps. Lauren Boebert, Nancy Mace, and former Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene were the three Republicans who backed the first petition; Greene has said that choice strained her relationship with President Trump and contributed to her resignation. Massie said he is confident the bill will pass before or after the midterms, including in a potential lame-duck session.
Track related accountability and policy updates in our Fintech & Crypto Alerts hub.
Read the full report at The Washington Times.