Over 100 House Republicans May Back Vote to Release Epstein Files, Says Rep. Massie
Representative Thomas Massie (R‑KY) told reporters on Thursday that more than 100 members of the House Republican caucus could support a floor vote aimed at making the Jeffrey Epstein investigation files publicly available. The indication follows a series of bipartisan calls for greater transparency after the high‑profile sexual‑abuse case attracted renewed scrutiny in recent months.
The files in question include unredacted documents from the Department of Justice, the FBI, and the Federal Bureau of Prisons that detail investigations, plea agreements, and victim statements related to Epstein’s alleged sex‑trafficking network. Since Epstein’s death in 2019, advocacy groups and some lawmakers have pressed for full disclosure, arguing that the materials could shed light on potential accomplices and the extent of any institutional failures. However, previous attempts to release the records have been stalled by privacy concerns, ongoing civil litigation, and a federal court order that limits public access to certain sensitive information.
Republican leadership has not yet taken an official position, but insiders say the proposal is gaining traction among members who view the release as a means to demonstrate accountability and restore public confidence. Democratic members, while generally supportive of transparency, have cautioned that any premature disclosure could jeopardize ongoing investigations and the privacy of victims. Legal analysts note that a congressional vote would likely trigger a review by the Department of Justice, which may still impose redactions or invoke national‑security exemptions.
Should the vote move forward, it could be scheduled for the coming weeks as part of a broader oversight agenda that includes hearings on the handling of high‑profile cases. Observers anticipate that the outcome will influence future congressional efforts to increase access to government records, especially those tied to alleged misconduct by powerful individuals. The next steps will depend on whether House leadership agrees to bring the measure to the floor and how the Justice Department responds to any congressional directive for disclosure.
