11 Republicans Support Khana-Massie Epstein Bill

Bipartisan Push for Epstein Files Transparency Gains Momentum

A bipartisan initiative to compel a binding House vote on releasing the so-called “Epstein files” has seen growing support, particularly from Republicans. However, the extent of GOP backing remains uncertain until the lower chamber returns from its August recess.

The bill, introduced by Reps. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) and Ro Khanna (D-Calif.), is one of two measures related to the Epstein files. These efforts have effectively stalled the entire chamber, prompting Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) to send members home early. As of Wednesday, the bill has 11 Republican and nine Democratic co-sponsors.

Massie and Khanna plan to file a discharge petition to bypass House leadership and bring their bill to the floor with 218 signatures. While discharge petitions are rare and seldom used by majority members, this one could succeed if all 11 GOP co-sponsors sign on with all Democrats. The measure would not be ready for a vote until September due to procedural rules.

The proposed legislation would require Attorney General Pam Bondi to make public “in a searchable and downloadable format” all unclassified records, documents, communications, and investigative materials in the possession of the Justice Department (DOJ) related to Jeffrey Epstein.

Key Republican Supporters

Several Republicans have publicly supported the measure, each bringing unique perspectives and motivations:

• Lauren Boebert (Colo.): A fierce ally of President Trump, Boebert was among the first lawmakers to call for a special counsel to investigate the government’s handling of the files. She has expressed frustration over the lack of information and has previously entertained conspiracy theories about Epstein’s death.

• Jeff Van Drew (N.J.): Switching from the Democratic Party to the GOP in 2020, Van Drew emphasized the need for transparency, stating, “The American people deserve full transparency.”

• Marjorie Taylor Greene (Ga.): Despite her usual alignment with Trump, Greene has warned that voters could turn against him over the controversy. She praised Trump’s move to unseal grand jury transcripts related to Epstein and criticized Democratic outrage as “fake.”

• Eric Burlison (Mo.): Burlison has blamed both the DOJ and the “deep state” for hiding files related to Epstein. He raised skepticism about the DOJ-FBI memo and the release of surveillance footage.

• Tim Burchett (Tenn.): Burchett successfully pushed for a subcommittee of the House Oversight Committee to subpoena Maxwell, Epstein’s longtime associate. He criticized Democrats for not addressing the issue earlier.

• Cory Mills (Fla.): Mills has not yet publicly commented on his decision to co-sponsor the resolution but recently faced headlines over allegations of unpaid rent at his D.C. apartment.

• Max Miller (R-Ohio): Miller signed the petition because he believes in “transparency and delivering the truth.” He previously served as Trump’s senior advisor and was in the Marine Corps Reserves.

• Eli Crane (R-Ariz.): A staunch Trump defender, Crane emphasized the importance of transparency and welcomed the bipartisan nature of the effort.

• Nancy Mace (R-S.C.): Mace linked her support to her own alleged experience with sexual violence and called for arrests of those involved in trafficking girls and young women.

• Keith Self (R-Texas): Self predicted the petition would secure 218 votes and stressed the need for justice, transparency, and government accountability.

• Tom Barrett (R-Mich.): Barrett noted the lack of answers about the Epstein files and supported the resolution to provide transparency.

Democratic Support

At least nine Democrats have also signed onto the measure, aiming to fuel GOP angst over the Epstein files and force tough votes on the issue. The co-sponsors include notable figures such as Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (N.Y.), Rashida Tlaib (Mich.), Jim McGovern (Mass.), Hank Johnson (Ga.), Jamie Raskin (Md.), Ryan Patrick (N.Y.), Debbie Dingell (Mich.), Joe Neguse (Colo.), Nancy Pelosi (Calif.), and Nydia Velazquez (N.Y.).

This bipartisan effort reflects a growing demand for transparency and accountability, as both parties seek to address public concerns about the Epstein files and the government's handling of the case.