Lawmakers Push to Force the Department of Justice to Release Missing Epstein Records
Washington, Tuesday, 1 September 2026.
Representative Thomas Massie has launched a House petition aimed at bypassing federal stonewalling to force the full release of unredacted Jeffrey Epstein investigation files to state prosecutors and victims.
Discharge Petition Filed for Epstein Files Transparency
Representative Thomas Massie (R-KY) filed a discharge petition on Monday, 24 August 2026, aiming to force a floor vote on legislation requiring the Department of Justice to release unredacted Jeffrey Epstein investigation files [1]. The legislative maneuver, titled the “Epstein Files Transparency Act II,” requires 218 House signatures to bypass committee and move directly to the House floor [1]. This action represents a continued effort to compel federal transparency regarding the Epstein case, following claims that the Department of Justice has failed to fully implement previous disclosure laws [1].
Legislative Maneuver Bypasses Leadership
The discharge petition process allows lawmakers to bypass House leadership to target federal oversight transparency and potential legal exposure for institutions tied to the case [1]. Representative Massie is collaborating with Representative Ro Khanna (D-CA) to secure the necessary signatures, expecting support from all Democrats including two new members elected in August 2026 special elections [1]. If all Democrats sign the petition, Massie requires only three Republican signatures to reach the 218-signature threshold, similar to a previous successful discharge petition supported by Representatives Lauren Boebert, Nancy Mace, and former Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene [1].
Legal Barriers and State Cooperation
The proposed legislation aims to override the Department of Justice’s use of “deliberative process privilege” to withhold documents, memos, texts, and emails regarding prosecution and investigation decisions [1]. New Mexico Attorney General Raul Torrez and victim attorneys assisted in drafting the legislation following reported stonewalling by the Department of Justice regarding an investigation into Epstein’s Zorro Ranch, located south of Santa Fe, New Mexico [1]. Attorney General Torrez stated that the state has waited too long for the federal government to turn over the unredacted records needed to complete their criminal investigation [1].
Pathways to Passage
Representative Massie anticipates reaching the signature threshold either before the 2026 midterm elections or during the subsequent lame-duck session, noting that a Democratic majority takeover would likely secure the necessary votes [1]. The bill grants members of Congress legal standing to sue the Department of Justice in any federal court, including districts in their home states or where victims reside, rather than solely in Washington, D.C. [1]. Massie expressed confidence that the bill will pass, stating, “I’m confident this bill is going to pass because if we don’t have three Republicans before the midterms, I think we will after in the lame-duck session” [1].