The fight over Jeffrey Epstein’s files will return when Congress resumes next month. Bipartisan lawmakers plan to push for a vote requiring the release of federal documents. They also intend to bring Epstein survivors to Capitol Hill to raise awareness and support.
Rep. Thomas Massie, Republican of Kentucky, said, “I don’t think it’s going to go away. Once we go back into session, I think this picks up where it left off.” Massie and Rep. Ro Khanna, Democrat of California, are leading the effort.
The House Rules Committee stalled in July over Democratic efforts to force votes on the Epstein files. Congress must address the issue if Republicans want to pass their legislative agenda next month. Public attention may rise again with new motions in the House Oversight and Government Committee.
Massie and Khanna scheduled a press conference for September 3, the day after Congress returns. Survivors of Epstein’s abuse will attend. The lawmakers hope their bill will compel the administration to release documents currently withheld.
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Court cases related to Epstein’s files may also conclude soon. Subpoenas issued by Chair James Comer, Republican of Kentucky, could force testimony from former officials. These proceedings could intensify scrutiny of the Trump administration’s handling of Epstein-related records.
During the congressional recess, Massie said he received few calls about Epstein, but noted Americans generally tune out while Congress is not in session. He added, “A lot of America is on vacation right now. People don’t focus on issues like the national debt or abortion either.”
Trump supporters promoted conspiracy theories about the Epstein files. Some assumed influential positions in his administration. FBI Director Kash Patel and Deputy Director Dan Bongino, for example, were linked to Epstein-related speculation. Attorney General Pam Bondi and Vice President Vance also publicly pushed for file disclosures.
Expectations among MAGA supporters were high that Trump’s second term would prioritize releasing Epstein records. Last month, however, the Department of Justice issued a memo rejecting these claims. The DOJ found no evidence of Epstein maintaining a “client list” or blackmailing powerful figures. Epstein’s 2019 death was ruled a suicide.
The memo angered Trump’s base, creating tensions in Congress and among MAGA loyalists. In response, the administration sought to release additional information. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche met with Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s convicted ex-girlfriend. Motions to unseal grand jury testimony from Epstein and Maxwell cases were denied.
Speaker Mike Johnson, Republican of Louisiana, cut the legislative calendar short before the recess. GOP rebels avoided votes on Epstein amendments. Some analysts predict the issue may fade over the long August break, citing lower Google searches and stable Trump approval ratings.
Epstein-related deadlines may soon renew attention. The House Oversight Committee subpoena requires the DOJ to provide documents by August 19. Another motion calls for testimony from ten former officials, including Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton, regarding Epstein investigations.
Chair Comer emphasized the Clinton connection. Flight logs show former President Clinton traveled on Epstein’s plane multiple times but not to his Virgin Islands residence. Democrats on the Rules Committee plan to continue offering amendments to pressure Republicans and highlight Trump’s ties to Epstein.
Vance argued Americans deserve answers about Epstein. He criticized the administration’s stance that no additional disclosures are necessary. Lawsuits also continue, including efforts to obtain communications between Trump administration officials regarding Epstein.
Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, Republican of Florida, noted that Alex Acosta, who approved Epstein’s 2008 plea deal, could testify before the Oversight Committee. Acosta resigned as Labor Secretary in Trump’s first term after renewed scrutiny over the deal.
Highlighting survivors of Epstein’s abuse adds weight to the push for more transparency. Massie said calling the controversy a hoax is “an insult to the survivors.” Lawmakers hope these actions will bring federal files to light and maintain public attention on the case.
