Washington, D.C. — Speaker Mike Johnson said Wednesday that the House will vote next week on legislation requiring the Justice Department to release all government records tied to Jeffrey Epstein, accelerating action after a discharge petition reached the 218 signatures needed to force the bill onto the floor. Johnson, who opposes the measure, announced the vote earlier than required, saying he would not delay once the threshold was met.
The discharge petition, led by Reps. Ro Khanna and Thomas Massie, was triggered after Arizona Democrat Adelita Grijalva was sworn in and became the final signer. Grijalva told colleagues, “Justice cannot wait another day,” as Democrats released newly obtained 2011 emails investigators say include Epstein messages referencing President Trump and Virginia Giuffre. Trump denies knowing about Epstein’s crimes.
Sources told ABC News the White House has been pressuring House Democrats not to release the full set of Epstein Files, meeting privately with Rep. Lauren Boebert. Republicans accused Democrats of weaponizing selective disclosures, while Democrats say victims deserve answers and more information will be released.
Several GOP lawmakers—Don Bacon of Nebraska, Tim Burchett of Tennessee, and Rob Bresnahan of Pennsylvania—have said the files should be made public, signaling a divided conference as Congress prepares for the vote. Even if the House approves the bill, Senate leaders have not indicated they will take it up, and Trump has dismissed the effort as a “Democrat hoax.”
The Justice Department and FBI have previously said they will not release additional case details, fueling calls for transparency. The House vote is expected shortly after lawmakers return next week.
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