US House Nears Vote to Force Epstein File Release

Republican Representative Thomas Massie is leading a bipartisan effort, supported by three Republican congresswomen and all House Democrats, to force a House vote on releasing all government files related to Jeffrey Epstein. The effort hinges on a discharge petition that requires 218 signatures, which will be reached with the swearing-in of Democrat Adelita Grijalva, who won a recent special election in Arizona. House Speaker Mike Johnson and Republican leadership oppose the petition and are reportedly pressuring GOP members to withdraw their support, with Massie accusing leadership of attempting to use procedural tactics to block the vote. Massie has characterized any attempt to stall the petition or vote against it as part of a cover-up, emphasizing the political stakes involved. While the petition is poised for a vote, even if passed by the House, it still requires Senate approval and President Trump's signature to become law. The situation highlights tensions within the Republican Party, with President Trump reportedly scrambling to influence GOP members who have signed the petition, reflecting the contentiousness surrounding the release of Epstein-related files.