Thomas Massie: One GOP Signature Away From Forcing Epstein Files Vote

The proposed Epstein Files Transparency Act II, H.R. 9694, would strengthen enforcement of the transparency law Congress enacted last year. It would allow Epstein survivors, state attorneys general, other state prosecutors and members of Congress to sue the attorney general over records they contend are being unlawfully withheld or redacted. It would also provide survivors access to unredacted records concerning themselves and give state and local prosecutors access to records needed for investigations or prosecutions.

President Trump signed the original Epstein Files Transparency Act into law on November 19, 2025. The Justice Department says it has released nearly 3.5 million pages under that law and maintains that material not released falls into permitted categories. Massie and other sponsors dispute that DOJ has fully complied and argue that additional enforcement mechanisms are necessary.

Timing has become another obstacle. Speaker Mike Johnson ended the House’s September legislative work early, with lawmakers not scheduled to return for votes until after the November midterms. Massie has accused leadership of manipulating the calendar to hinder his Epstein effort; Johnson and Republican leaders dispute that characterization and say the recess allows members to campaign.

Massie, who lost his Republican primary earlier this year, is therefore pursuing the transparency measure during his final months in Congress. Even if supporters eventually secure 218 signatures, the House calendar means any resulting floor fight is now likely to occur after Election Day rather than before it.