Democrats and Republicans are collaborating to release previously classified documents about the late financier.
A group of lawmakers from both parties is getting close to forcing a vote that could release hidden Jeffrey Epstein documents. They need two more Republicans to sign their petition.
Democrat Representative Ro Khanna says they are almost there. Right now, they have signatures from 212 Democrats and 4 Republicans. That is 216 total – just two short of the 218 they need.
The four Republicans who have already signed are Thomas Massie, Nancy Mace, Marjorie Taylor Greene, and Lauren Boebert. These are some of the most conservative members of their party.
“We need just two more signatures to force the release,” Khanna said. He is working with Republican Thomas Massie on this effort.
What they are using is called a discharge petition. This is a special rule in the House that lets lawmakers force a vote on something, even if party leaders do not want it. However, they need at least 218 members to sign it – that is more than half of all House members.
Khanna praised the Republicans who joined their cause, especially Greene and Massie. He said politics should not get in the way of this issue.
“We have got to stop the partisanship on this issue. This is an issue where they both have shown real courage and leadership, and I appreciate them joining us today,” Khanna said.
If they get those final two signatures, House leadership would have to schedule a vote on releasing the Epstein files. They could not stop it or delay it.
This push comes as many Americans seek to learn more about Epstein’s connections to influential individuals. The wealthy financier died in federal prison in 2019 while facing serious charges.
The unusual partnership between progressive Democrats and conservative Republicans shows how important this issue is to lawmakers on both sides. It is rare to see such different political groups work together, but they all agree the public deserves to know what is in these secret files.
The two parties do not agree on much these days, but transparency about Epstein is something that crosses party lines. Now it is just a matter of finding two more Republicans willing to join this bipartisan effort.
