Massie’s Push for Epstein Files Disclosure Gains Momentum in Congress

Representative Thomas Massie is intensifying efforts to ensure the release of more documents related to Jeffrey Epstein in the House of Representatives. The Kentucky Republican presented a bill compelling the Department of Justice (DOJ) to disclose additional files regarding Epstein. He died by suicide in a New York federal jail in 2019 while facing sex trafficking charges.

Lawmakers have pressed for increased transparency from the federal government on the investigations into Epstein. Last year, Massie led an initiative to obtain a significant number of Epstein-related documents. However, he criticized the DOJ for not releasing all necessary documents and making excessive redactions. The new initiative aims to reveal more documents.

The Epstein files include court-ordered DOJ releases of interview transcripts, emails, visitor logs, and investigative materials. These are being published under a law passed by Congress last year. A discharge petition to initiate a vote on the new bill for file disclosure is gaining support in Congress.

The Epstein Files Transparency Act II

Massie’s new legislation, the Epstein Files Transparency Act II, announced in July, offers state attorneys general, victims, and Congress members the ability to challenge the DOJ for not complying with previous laws.

Massie stated the DOJ unlawfully withholds over three million Epstein files. He argued state attorneys general and victims should have the right to sue the Attorney General to enforce compliance with a transparency law endorsed by President Trump.

The bill would allow parties to sue the U.S. Attorney General for unlawfully withholding, redacting, delaying, or failing to publish Epstein-related records. It would enable victims to obtain unredacted records concerning themselves. It would also impose penalties on DOJ and FBI officials for concealing or misrepresenting files.

Lawmakers Supporting the Bill

Over 100 members have signed the discharge petition to enforce a vote on the bill. The list includes Ro Khanna (California), Teresa Leger Fernandez (New Mexico), Yassamin Ansari (Arizona), Nancy Mace (South Carolina), Wesley Bell (Missouri), Melanie Stansbury (New Mexico), and Al Green (Texas).

Potential Outcomes if Petition Reaches 218 Signatures

If the petition gains 218 signatures, the House must vote on the bill. The current House makeup of 218-214, with one independent, requires more Republicans to join. Nancy Mace has co-sponsored the bill and joined the petition. Massie indicated they need two more Republicans to succeed.

Massie has prioritized the release of Epstein files for the past year. Only Clay Higgins of Louisiana opposed the original bill compelling the files’ release last November.

On the House floor, Massie listed 14 people for investigation regarding alleged ties to Epstein. He emphasized over three million files remain withheld by the government.

“That’s why we’ve introduced the Epstein Files Transparency Act II, to bring the fight to the state courts, accountability to the Department of Justice, and closure for survivors. We want perpetrators of these crimes investigated and prosecuted,” Massie said.

Timeline of the Epstein Files Fight

• 2005: Palm Beach police began investigating allegations against Epstein.
• 2006: Epstein was indicted for soliciting prostitution; the FBI began investigating.
• 2008: Epstein pleaded guilty to two state charges, receiving a 13-month sentence.
• 2009: Epstein’s release, as victims challenged a non-prosecution agreement.
• 2018: Miami Herald published an investigative report.
• 2019 July: New York prosecutors arrested Epstein for sex trafficking.
• 2019 August: Epstein’s death intensified transparency demands.
• 2020: Ghislaine Maxwell was charged with sex crimes.
• 2021: Maxwell was convicted of sex trafficking.
• 2024: Trump promised to publicize Epstein documents.
• 2025 July: Khanna and Massie presented the Transparency Act.
• 2025 November: Congress passed Massie’s bill; Trump signed it.
• 2025 December: DOJ began slowly releasing files.
• 2026 July: Massie introduced the Epstein Files Transparency Act II.
• 2026 September: Over 100 lawmakers supported Massie’s petition.

Political Controversy for Trump

The Epstein files have stirred political controversy for the Trump administration, as both parties critique its handling. Prominent hearings over the past year have raised scrutiny levels.

In a YouGov poll, only 26 percent approved of Trump’s approach to the Epstein investigations. 57 percent disapproved. 68 percent believed there is a cover-up of evidence. The survey was conducted with 1,124 adults between February 27 and March 2, 2026.

Amid criticism, former Attorney General Pam Bondi left her position earlier this year. Trump’s past friendship with Epstein has been questioned, although he claims ignorance of Epstein’s activities and denied any involvement.

Future Developments

Massie’s petition gains more lawmakers’ support. If additional Republicans do not sign, progress may halt. If Democrats regain the House in future elections, they might pursue this issue.