On Sunday, Republican Representative Thomas Massie emphasized the need for accountability regarding individuals named in the Jeffrey Epstein files. In an interview with ABC News' This Week anchor George Stephanopoulos, Massie stated, "We can't avoid justice just to avoid embarrassment for some very powerful men." He asserted that mere appearance in the files does not necessarily indicate wrongdoing or criminal activity.
In a rare display of bipartisanship, Democratic Representative Ro Khanna announced that there are sufficient votes in the House to initiate a vote on his and Massie’s discharge petition. This petition aims to compel the Justice Department to release all records related to the convicted sex offender, Jeffrey Epstein. Khanna claimed, "We have the 218 votes, 216 already support it," adding that two unreported vacancies would soon be filled by Democrats committed to signing the petition. He expressed confidence that this action would take place by the end of September.
When asked about President Donald Trump's reluctance to release the files, Massie speculated that it might be due to potential embarrassment for several politically connected billionaires who support Trump's campaign. He remarked, "There are probably intelligence ties to our CIA and maybe to other foreign intelligence," although the basis for these claims remains unclear. ABC News has reached out to the White House for a response to Massie's assertions.
In light of the ongoing discourse, President Trump stated on Friday that the Justice Department has provided Congress with everything requested. Both Trump and House Speaker Mike Johnson have characterized the push for more information on the Epstein case as an overreaction and politically motivated. Khanna, however, refuted this notion and commended the courage of Republican House members who have supported the petition, stating, "This is a moral issue. It's about standing with survivors. It's about protecting children." He acknowledged the bravery of Massie, as well as other Republican colleagues, including Nancy Mace, Marjorie Taylor Greene, and Lauren Boebert.
Despite the optimism surrounding the petition, Khanna expressed concerns regarding the possibility of the files being released in their entirety. He stated, "It's a concern." However, he noted that the victims' lawyer, Bradley Edwards, along with numerous career officials, have already reviewed the files. Khanna warned that if there were any attempts to manipulate the release for political reasons, many would call out such actions.
The comments from Massie and Khanna come in the wake of emotional testimonies from survivors of Epstein's abuse, who recently shared their harrowing experiences on Capitol Hill. Their courageous narratives underscore the urgent demand for the federal government to release all files and records related to the convicted sex offender, highlighting the ongoing struggle for justice and transparency.
