Massie to push a forced vote on second Epstein files bill next week

Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.), the sponsor of the original Epstein Files Transparency Act , said Thursday he felt confident he could force a vote on a follow-up bill once Congress returns following the election.

Massie wrote on the social platform X that he felt assured he would be able to get enough signatures for a discharge petition, which forces a vote on the House floor.

“When we return next week, we’ll get 218 signatures for Epstein Files Transparency Act II, which guarantees a vote,” he wrote.

“Survivors will be able to get their own records, State Attorneys General can prosecute crimes, and we can take the DOJ to court for keeping critical files hidden.”

Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.), the Democratic co-sponsor of the original legislation, called the new legislation the “Epstein 2.0 Act,” saying it would “allow state attorney generals to prosecute the pedophiles who abused and trafficked young girls.”

The Epstein Files Transparent Act received broad support in Congress and forced the Justice Department to release its millions of files related to deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

But survivors and other backers have called for greater transparency, including further redactions in the files as well as additional prosecutions of Epstein allies.

Massie and Khanna have asserted Epstein had additional co-conspirators who should face criminal charges.