Massie Forces House Vote to Unseal Epstein Files With Discharge Petition
Rep. Massie secured 218 signatures to force a House vote on new Epstein transparency bill.
Why it matters: The move targets DOJ’s withholding of millions of Epstein-related documents, potentially reshaping congressional oversight and access to sensitive government files.
- Massie obtained 218 signatures needed for a discharge petition on Nov 11, 2026.
- The bill lets Epstein survivors, AGs, and Congress sue DOJ over compliance failures.
- DOJ released 3.5M pages but allegedly withholds over 3M files or redacts heavily.
- Bipartisan support includes all 214 House Democrats and 4 Republicans.
- House floor vote expected by early December 2026.
On November 11, 2026, Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) secured the necessary 218 signatures to discharge the Epstein Files Transparency Act II to the House floor, compelling a vote on new legislation demanding the release of withheld documents related to Jeffrey Epstein investigations.
This bill builds on the original Epstein Files Transparency Act signed into law in November 2025, which required the Department of Justice (DOJ) to make all unclassified Epstein-related records public within 30 days. Despite DOJ's claim of releasing over 3.5 million pages by January 30, 2026, lawmakers including Massie argue that more than 3 million documents remain unlawfully withheld or severely redacted.
The new bill authorizes Epstein survivors, state attorneys general, and members of Congress to sue the DOJ if it fails to comply with the original law. Massie expressed frustration, stating, "The Department of Justice continues to unlawfully withhold over 3 million Epstein files that should be released to the public."
The discharge petition for this legislation drew strong bipartisan backing, securing signatures from all 214 House Democrats and four Republicans — Massie, Nancy Mace (R-SC), Ralph Norman (R-SC), and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA). Rep. John Garamendi (D-CA) was the pivotal 218th signer, enabling the forced vote.
Massie, who lost his GOP primary earlier in 2026 and will leave Congress in January 2027, has played a key role in pushing for full transparency around Epstein-related government records. The House vote is anticipated by early December 2026, setting the stage for heightened scrutiny of DOJ document handling and potentially influencing future congressional oversight practices.
By the numbers:
- 218 signatures — required to force a House vote via discharge petition
- 3.5 million pages — Epstein files DOJ claims to have released by Jan 30, 2026
- 3 million files — allegedly withheld or heavily redacted documents according to lawmakers
What's next: House floor vote expected by early December 2026 on the Epstein Files Transparency Act II.