Khanna and Massie Force Vote on Epstein Files Act

U.S. Representatives Ro Khanna and Thomas Massie secured 218 commitments for a discharge petition to force a vote on the Epstein Files Transparency Act II. This bipartisan effort follows a previous transparency bill signed by the president and seeks to strengthen enforcement regarding the release of records.

The proposed legislation would allow victims, state attorneys general, and local prosecutors to sue the U.S. attorney general for the unlawful redaction or withholding of files. It also mandates that the attorney general provide specific unredacted documents to victims upon request.

Although the petition reached the required threshold, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson delayed the vote by initiating a six-week House recess. The legislative push is expected to resume after the midterm elections. Attorney General Todd Blanche currently faces potential contempt proceedings related to the files.