A substantial bloc of House Republicans is preparing to defy the White House by supporting legislation that would force the public release of documents related to the Justice Department's investigation of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
GOP Lawmakers Push for Transparency
According to Representative Thomas Massie, a Republican from Kentucky and a key sponsor of the bill, the support could be overwhelming. Massie stated he anticipates "100 or more" Republican votes, potentially creating a veto-proof majority when the legislation comes to the floor for a vote, which could happen as early as Tuesday.
In a Sunday interview on ABC's "This Week," Massie expressed his optimism, saying, "I think we could have a deluge of Republicans. I’m hoping to get a veto-proof majority on this legislation." The bill would legally compel the Department of Justice to disclose files tied to its probe of Epstein and his subsequent death while in federal custody.
The push for a vote was initiated by a discharge petition signed by four House Republicans: Thomas Massie, Lauren Boebert of Colorado, Nancy Mace of South Carolina, and Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia. Reports from CNN and Politico indicate that support extends far beyond this core group, with lawmakers from both parties calling for greater transparency in the long-controversial case.
A Rare Political Divide
This move signals a rare political break, potentially pitting a majority of congressional Republicans against President Donald Trump, who has tried to block the vote. Massie suggested the White House's resistance is an attempt to protect the powerful.
"I think he’s trying to protect a bunch of rich and powerful friends," Massie said, alleging that the files implicate "at least 20 people," including politicians, billionaires, and movie producers in criminal activity that has not been properly investigated.
Echoing the call for transparency, Republican Representative Don Bacon of Nebraska commented on CBS's "Face the Nation," "Let’s rip the Band-Aid off and get it done. The more the White House pushes back on this, it just looks bad."
The Road Ahead and White House Response
For the legislation to become law, it must not only pass in the House and Senate but also likely overcome a promised presidential veto. Massie hopes a decisive vote in the House will pressure Senate Republicans, who have so far shown little interest in the measure. "I just hope [Senate Majority Leader] John Thune will do the right thing," Massie added. "The pressure is going to be there if we get a big vote in the House."
In response, White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson defended the administration's record, accusing Democrats of politicizing the issue. She stated that the Trump Administration has "done more for the victims than Democrats ever have" by releasing documents and calling for investigations into Epstein's associates, whom she identified as "Democrat friends."
This development follows last week's release of a trove of Epstein's emails by Congressional Democrats and Republicans, which included messages referencing the president. Trump dismissed these disclosures as a "hoax," and the White House has denied any wrongdoing.
