Calls to release Epstein files
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
Rep. Thomas Massie named 14 Epstein associates on the House floor, urging prosecution. He seeks 218 signatures to force a vote on the Epstein Files Transparency Act II.
Background
The Epstein Files Transparency Act, signed into law in November 2025, compelled the Justice Department to release millions of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein. Lawmakers from both parties have accused the DOJ of withholding more than 3 million files and maintaining heavy redactions. Massie and Rep. Ro Khanna have introduced a second bill to allow state attorneys general and victims to sue for further unredacted files.
How it unfolded
- Nov 2025President Trump signed the Epstein Files Transparency Act, leading to the release of millions of documents.
- Aug 31, 2026Massie began collecting signatures for a discharge petition on the Epstein Files Transparency Act II.
- Sep 1, 2026Massie named 14 Epstein associates on the House floor, calling them 'coconspirators' and urging the DOJ to investigate.
- Sep 3, 2026Billionaire Leon Black sued the House Oversight Committee to block subpoenas in its Epstein probe.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- Rep. Thomas Massie says the DOJ is withholding over 3 million files and needs to be 'shamed' into delivering justice.
- Official
- Rep. Ro Khanna says 'This is not a politics issue. It's a justice issue.'
- Caution
- Leon Black's lawyer Susan Estrich says Black is being targeted in a 'political witch hunt' and that the subpoenas are a 'fishing expedition.'
Still unverified
Massie's naming of 14 individuals as 'coconspirators' is his opinion; inclusion in files does not indicate wrongdoing. Claims of DOJ withholding files are disputed by the department.