In a significant political move that sets the stage for a major confrontation, Representative Adelita Grijalva (D-Ariz.) was sworn into the House and immediately signed a critical petition to force the release of the so-called Epstein files.
A Long-Awaited Signature
The signing had been delayed for weeks due to a government shutdown that prevented Grijalva from being officially sworn in by House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.). Upon finally taking her oath, she gestured to survivors of Jeffrey Epstein's abuse who were watching from the gallery before adding her name to Discharge Petition No. 9.
It's past time for Congress to restore its role as a check and balance on this administration and fight for we, the American people,
Grijalva stated. That is why I will sign the discharge petition right now to release the Epstein files. Justice cannot wait another day.
Her signature was the 218th and final one needed, meeting the threshold required to bypass House leadership and bring the matter to a floor vote.
The Path to a Public Vote
The discharge petition process empowers regular House members to bring legislation to the floor despite opposition from leadership. This petition specifically forces action on a bill introduced by Representatives Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) and Ro Khanna (D-Calif.).
Their bill mandates the U.S. Justice Department to create a public, searchable database of its investigatory files on the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
According to House rules, once a discharge petition secures 218 signatures, it can be called for a vote after seven legislative days. This timeline means the earliest possible vote for the Massie-Khanna bill would be in early December.
Political Implications and Hurdles
While the successful petition sets up a long-awaited showdown, the bill faces a difficult path into law. Even if it passes the Democratic-controlled House, it would still need to clear the Senate and would likely face a veto from President Donald Trump.
President Trump has dismissed the recent focus on his past association with Epstein as a Democrat hoax.
Nevertheless, a House vote would be largely symbolic, demonstrating a potential weakening of Trump's influence over members of his own party during his second term.
The petition succeeded because every House Democrat signed it, along with four key Republicans: Thomas Massie, Marjorie Taylor Greene (Ga.), Nancy Mace (S.C.), and Lauren Boebert (Colo.). Reports indicate the White House pressured these Republicans to withdraw their support but was unsuccessful.
Meanwhile, other documents related to Epstein continue to emerge. The House Oversight Committee, through subpoenas to the Epstein estate, has already released materials, including a 2003 tribute from Trump to Epstein and an email in which Epstein wrote that Trump knew about the girls.
Epstein died in a federal prison in 2019 while facing charges of sex trafficking minors.
