A coalition of Republican lawmakers is gaining momentum for legislation aimed at compelling the Department of Justice (DOJ) to release additional documents related to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. This push continues despite President Donald Trump’s request for supporters to abandon the inquiry into Epstein’s case.
On March 13, 2024, Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) announced on social media that five more Republicans had joined the effort to co-sponsor the measure. The newly signed co-sponsors include Reps. Lauren Boebert (Colo.), Jeff Van Drew (N.J.), Marjorie Taylor Greene (Ga.), Eric Burlison (Mo.), and Tim Burchett (Tenn.).
Van Drew emphasized the need for transparency, stating, “The American people deserve full transparency.” Greene echoed similar sentiments, asserting her commitment to not protect “pedophiles or the elites and their circles.” Their support highlights a growing divide within the Republican Party, particularly as Trump’s base expresses frustration over a recent DOJ memo indicating that no further information on the Epstein case would be released, much of which remains sealed.
Trump continued to voice his discontent regarding the issue on March 13, 2024, via a post on Truth Social, where he labeled those focused on the Epstein matter as “PAST supporters” and declared, “I don’t want their support anymore!”
In response to the apparent friction, Massie and Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) plan to initiate a discharge petition. This legislative maneuver seeks to bypass House Republican leadership and enforce a vote on the matter. The discharge petition requires a total of 218 signatures—representing a majority of the House—to succeed. If all Democrats support the petition, only a few Republican votes would be necessary to trigger a vote, making the backing from these six Republicans particularly significant.
On March 12, 2024, Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) stirred controversy by suggesting that the Trump administration should release all pertinent information to let the public make informed decisions. His remarks seemed to contradict Trump’s position, leading to speculation about a rift within the party.
Johnson later clarified his comments, asserting that his position aligned with Trump’s. “We’re for transparency,” he explained to reporters. “You need to have all of the credible information released for the American people to make their decision. We trust the American people, and I know the president does, as well.”
The proposed legislation would mandate that Attorney General Pam Bondi make publicly available, in a searchable and downloadable format, all unclassified records, documents, communications, and investigative materials in the DOJ’s possession that relate to Epstein within 30 days of the law’s enactment. Furthermore, it specifies that no files can be withheld, delayed, or redacted due to potential “embarrassment, reputational harm, or political sensitivity” affecting any government official, public figure, or foreign dignitary.
As bipartisan support grows for this legislation, the outcome remains uncertain. The ongoing discussions reflect broader concerns regarding accountability and transparency in high-profile cases, and the implications of this legislative push could resonate beyond the current political landscape.
