GOP, according to Johnson, remains dedicated to openness and ensuring accountability in the Epstein case
After the return of House members to Capitol Hill, the fight for transparency in the Jeffrey Epstein case has intensified. Republican Representative Thomas Massie has filed a discharge petition to compel the Justice Department to publicly release the Jeffrey Epstein files.
Massie is not alone in his fight. He is joined by Democratic Representative Ro Khanna in a bipartisan effort that includes meetings with Epstein victims and a planned press conference on Capitol Hill. The survivors of Epstein's alleged crimes are taking meetings with lawmakers this week and will join a press conference with Khanna and Massie on Wednesday.
The petition, if successful, would require 218 signatures, with all Democrats' signatures and six Republicans' signatures being sufficient to trigger a vote on the floor. As of now, Massie has the support of twelve Republican members, with six of those being the minimum required to pass the resolution demanding the release of the Epstein files.
Republican Representative Jim Johnson, however, opposes Massie and Khanna's discharge petition, stating it does not adequately protect the innocent victims. Johnson, along with Speaker Mike Johnson and the House Oversight Committee, had a meeting with Epstein victims. Johnson emphasizes that the investigation must be done in the right way.
The Oversight Committee's investigation into the Epstein case is ongoing, with subpoenaed records from the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Epstein estate being examined. Committee investigators will redact any identifying or confidential information from the gathered records before they are made public.
Johnson believes the current Oversight investigation is a better path than the discharge petition filed by Massie and Khanna. He states that Republicans are committed to transparency and justice regarding the Epstein issue.
In a parallel development, the GOP plans to vote on a separate Epstein resolution, formally directing the House Oversight Committee to undertake its Epstein inquiry. Democrats are expected to continue their pressure campaign for the release of the Epstein files at the House Rules Committee, with Rep. Jim McGovern, the ranking Democrat on the House Rules Committee, planning to offer an amendment at Rules to push for the release of the Epstein files.
Epstein's survivors meeting with lawmakers serves as a reminder that there are real victims in this matter who believe justice has not been done. The fight for transparency and justice in the Epstein case continues as both parties strive to uncover the truth.
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