Speaker Mike Johnson announced on Wednesday (November 12) that the House of Representatives will vote next week on a bill to compel the Department of Justice to release all case files related to Jeffrey Epstein. The bill, known as the Epstein Files Transparency Act, was introduced by Representatives Ro Khanna, a Democrat from California, and Thomas Massie, a Republican from Kentucky. It aims to make all unclassified records, documents, and communications about Epstein and his co-conspirator, Ghislaine Maxwell, public. The bill includes exemptions for classified information and personally identifiable details of victims.

Johnson's decision to expedite the vote comes after a discharge petition reached 218 signatures, the number required to force a vote. According to CNN, Johnson stated, "We're going to put that on the floor for a full vote when we get back next week."

The petition gained momentum after Representative Adelita Grijalva, who recently took office, became the 218th signatory.

The bill is expected to pass the House but faces challenges in the Senate, where it must be approved before becoming law. Speaker Johnson has expressed concerns about the potential risks of releasing the files, citing the possibility of exposing innocent individuals and compromising victim privacy. However, the bill allows the attorney general to withhold or redact sensitive information.

The push for transparency comes amid ongoing scrutiny of Epstein's connections and activities. The House Oversight Committee has been investigating the matter and releasing records, but some lawmakers argue that full disclosure is necessary for justice. The bill's proponents hope that releasing the files will provide clarity and accountability in the Epstein case.

Vicki McKenna