A seismic shift is coming to Washington. House lawmakers are poised to vote on a bill demanding the Justice Department release *all* files related to Jeffrey Epstein, and the pressure is now squarely on the Senate to act – and to act swiftly.
This isn’t a typical legislative maneuver. Driven by a rare bipartisan coalition led by Representatives Ro Khanna and Thomas Massie, the bill is advancing through a “discharge petition,” a powerful tool to bypass leadership and force a vote. The petition garnered overwhelming support, even attracting the backing of staunchly conservative Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, signaling the breadth of outrage fueling this push.
The core demand is simple: transparency. For years, survivors have lived under a shadow of fear and intimidation, haunted by the powerful figures implicated in Epstein’s crimes. They believe crucial information remains hidden within the Justice Department’s files, and this bill is their desperate plea for the truth.
“This is not about questions of Trump or Biden,” Khanna declared, emphasizing the unifying nature of the effort. “This is a question of doing the right thing for survivors.” He issued a stark warning to the Senate: pass the bill without amendments, without loopholes. “Justice is long overdue.”
Massie echoed the sentiment, urging the Senate to resist the temptation to “muck it up.” The message was clear: any attempt to weaken the bill’s transparency mandate will be met with fierce opposition. Lawmakers are watching, and the public is demanding answers.
The fight extends beyond simply releasing names. Greene, who recently faced a public rebuke from former President Trump for her unwavering support of the bill, spoke passionately about the courage of the survivors. She described being labeled a “traitor” for prioritizing their needs over political allegiance.
“A traitor is an American that serves foreign countries and themselves,” Greene asserted, drawing a sharp contrast. “A patriot is an American that serves the United States of America and Americans, like the women standing behind me.” Her words underscored the profound moral stakes of this battle.
Khanna framed the impending vote as the “first day of real reckoning” for what he termed the “Epstein class” – a network of powerful individuals who enabled and benefited from Epstein’s crimes. He envisions a future where these individuals are stripped of their honors and privileges, no longer celebrated in society.
The question now isn’t just whether the files will be released, but whether the Department of Justice will comply. Will they finally yield to the mounting pressure, or will the truth remain buried in endless investigations? The nation waits, bracing for a reckoning that could shake the foundations of power and privilege.
This is about more than just one case; it’s about accountability, about ensuring that no one is above the law, and about finally giving voice to those who have been silenced for far too long. The fight, as Greene powerfully stated, is far from over.
