Massie says a second Epstein files bill will get the 218 signatures needed to force a House vote; the Justice Department says it complied with the first law
Massie says a discharge petition for a second Epstein files bill will reach the 218 signatures needed to force a House vote; the clerk lists 216. The bill would let states and survivors sue the Justice Department, which says it complied.
Case period:
Published by The Dispute Index editorial teamPublished Updated
Overview
Rep. Thomas Massie says a discharge petition for the Epstein Files Transparency Act II, which would let states, survivors and members of Congress sue the Justice Department over withheld Epstein records, will reach 218 signatures when the House returns. The House clerk lists 216. The department says it complied with the 2025 law.
Read the full background
Congress passed the Epstein Files Transparency Act in November 2025 after a discharge petition led by Rep. Thomas Massie, a Kentucky Republican, and Rep. Ro Khanna, a California Democrat, forced a House vote. Speaker Mike Johnson had urged Republicans not to sign that petition. Trump signed the law on Nov. 19, 2025. It required the attorney general to publish the Justice Department's Epstein records within 30 days. On Jan. 30, 2026, the department said its releases totaled nearly 3.5 million pages in compliance with the law.
On July 15, 2026, Massie, Khanna and Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández introduced H.R. 9694, the Epstein Files Transparency Act II. Sens. Jeff Merkley and Ben Ray Luján lead the Senate version. The sponsors say the department is still withholding more than 3 million files and maintaining heavy redactions. The bill would let state attorneys general, other state officers, victims and members of Congress sue the attorney general over withheld or redacted records. It would also give victims access to unredacted records about themselves, bar the department from invoking common law privileges to withhold records, and apply existing federal penalties to officials who conceal or falsify covered records.
On Aug. 31, Massie filed Discharge Petition No. 27 on H.Res. 1430, a resolution that would bring the bill to the House floor. A petition signed by a majority of the House, 218 members, can force a floor vote without the leadership's agreement. By Sept. 16 the petition had 216 signatures, from 212 Democrats and four Republicans: Massie, Nancy Mace, Ralph Norman and Brian Fitzpatrick. Massie and Khanna said two Democrats who were out sick would sign when the House returned after the election. On Oct. 15, 17 state attorneys general wrote to congressional leaders urging Congress to pass the bill.
On Nov. 5, two days after the midterm elections, Massie wrote that the petition would reach 218 signatures when the House returns the week of Nov. 9. As of Nov. 8, the House clerk's record listed 216. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche has said the department complied with the law, and a White House spokeswoman has said Trump has done more for Epstein's victims than anyone before him. We could not locate a public response from Speaker Johnson to the second bill as of Nov. 8, 2026.
People in this case
Thomas MassieDirectly involved
Ro KhannaDirectly involved
Todd BlancheDirectly involved
Letitia JamesCommented
Timeline
7 timeline entries on this page. Dates: November 19, 2025 to November 5, 2026
November 2025
Trump signs the Epstein Files Transparency Act
The law requires the attorney general to make the Justice Department's Epstein files publicly available by December 19, 2025.
[01]Epstein Files Transparency Act: Senate passage and presidential signing
The bill history distinguishes Senate unanimous consent from a recorded roll-call vote.
Epstein Files Transparency Act: Senate passage and presidential signingNovember 19, 2025 Senate passage by unanimous consent and signed-by-President entries[02]Letter from 17 state attorneys general to congressional leaders supporting the Epstein Files Transparency Act II
Letter on Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes's letterhead to Speaker Mike Johnson, Hakeem Jeffries, John Thune and Charles Schumer. The attorneys general say the Justice Department has failed to fulfill its duties under the 2025 law, that millions of files remain withheld, and that state prosecutors need unredacted investigative records. They urge Congress to pass H.R. 9694 and S. 5005.
Letter from 17 state attorneys general to congressional leaders supporting the Epstein Files Transparency Act IIFull letter, 5 pages, October 15, 2026
January 2026
Justice Department says its Epstein releases total nearly 3.5 million pages
Source release
The department says it published more than 3 million additional pages and that its total production of nearly 3.5 million pages complies with the law.
[03]United States Department of Justice
The Justice Department says it published more than 3 million additional pages responsive to the Epstein Files Transparency Act, bringing its total to nearly 3.5 million pages, and that any material not produced falls into categories it lists. It says more than 500 attorneys and reviewers worked on the release and that reviewers were told to limit redactions to the protection of victims and their families.
Department of Justice Publishes 3.5 Million Responsive Pages in Compliance with the Epstein Files Transparency Act · United States Department of JusticeFull release, January 30, 2026
July 2026
Massie, Khanna and Leger Fernández introduce the Epstein Files Transparency Act II
H.R. 9694 would let state attorneys general, other state officers, victims and members of Congress sue the attorney general over withheld or redacted Epstein records. It is referred to the House Judiciary Committee.
[04]H.R. 9694, Epstein Files Transparency Act II, as introduced in the House
Text of the bill Massie introduced with Khanna and Leger Fernández, referred to the House Judiciary Committee. It would let state attorneys general, district attorneys, other authorized state officers and victims sue the U.S. attorney general over withheld or redacted Epstein records, give victims access to unredacted records about themselves, give members of Congress a cause of action, bar the Justice Department from invoking common law privileges to withhold covered records, and apply existing federal penalties to officials who conceal or falsify them.
H.R. 9694, Epstein Files Transparency Act II, as introduced in the HouseBill text as introduced, July 15, 2026[05]Thomas Massie
Massie's office announces H.R. 9694, which would give state attorneys general, victims and members of Congress standing to challenge the Justice Department in court over compliance with the 2025 law. The release quotes Massie, Khanna, Leger Fernández, Sens. Jeff Merkley and Ben Ray Luján, and New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez, and says a discharge petition will be circulated if the House does not consider the bill within seven legislative days.
Massie, Khanna, Leger Fernández, Merkley, Luján Introduce the Epstein Files Transparency Act II · Thomas MassieFull release, July 15, 2026
August 2026
Massie files a discharge petition to force a House vote on the bill
Massie files Discharge Petition No. 27 on H.Res. 1430, a resolution that would bring the bill to the House floor. In a floor speech, he says the government continues to withhold more than three million files.
[06]Discharge Petition No. 27 (119th Congress) on H.Res. 1430, with member signatures
The House clerk's page for the petition Massie filed on August 31, 2026 to discharge the Rules Committee from H.Res. 1430. As read on November 8, 2026, it lists 216 signatures, from 212 Democrats and four Republicans (Massie, Nancy Mace, Ralph Norman and Brian Fitzpatrick). The last signatures are dated September 16, 2026.
Discharge Petition No. 27 (119th Congress) on H.Res. 1430, with member signaturesPetition text and signature list, read November 8, 2026[07]H.Res. 1430, resolution providing for House consideration of the Epstein Files Transparency Act II
The resolution Massie submitted with Khanna and Leger Fernández and referred to the Rules Committee. It would bring up H.R. 185 and adopt an amendment replacing its text with the Epstein Files Transparency Act II, with one hour of debate. The discharge petition is filed on this resolution.
H.Res. 1430, resolution providing for House consideration of the Epstein Files Transparency Act IIResolution text as introduced, July 15, 2026[08]Spectrum News
Spectrum News reports Massie's August 31 House floor remarks launching the petition, in which he says the government continues to withhold more than three million files. It quotes Rep. Andy Barr, a Kentucky Republican, saying he had already voted to release the files and was not interested in grandstanding.
Massie seeks support for new Epstein files bill · Spectrum NewsFull article
September 2026
The petition reaches 216 signatures, two short of the 218 needed
Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick becomes the fourth Republican to sign, after Massie, Nancy Mace and Ralph Norman, joining 212 Democrats. Massie says two Democrats who were out sick have pledged to sign. The House is out of session until after the November election.
[06]Discharge Petition No. 27 (119th Congress) on H.Res. 1430, with member signatures
The House clerk's page for the petition Massie filed on August 31, 2026 to discharge the Rules Committee from H.Res. 1430. As read on November 8, 2026, it lists 216 signatures, from 212 Democrats and four Republicans (Massie, Nancy Mace, Ralph Norman and Brian Fitzpatrick). The last signatures are dated September 16, 2026.
Discharge Petition No. 27 (119th Congress) on H.Res. 1430, with member signaturesPetition text and signature list, read November 8, 2026[09]Spectrum News
Spectrum News reports that Massie said on social media that the petition had 216 of the 218 signatures it needs and that two Democrats who were out sick had pledged to sign. It names the three other Republicans who signed and reports that Blanche has defended the department's compliance with the first law.
Massie's Epstein bill push approaches required signatures · Spectrum NewsFull article
October 2026
17 state attorneys general urge Congress to pass the bill
Reaction
In a letter to Speaker Mike Johnson and the other congressional leaders, the attorneys general say the Justice Department has failed to fulfill its duties under the 2025 law and that millions of files remain withheld.
[02]Letter from 17 state attorneys general to congressional leaders supporting the Epstein Files Transparency Act II
Letter on Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes's letterhead to Speaker Mike Johnson, Hakeem Jeffries, John Thune and Charles Schumer. The attorneys general say the Justice Department has failed to fulfill its duties under the 2025 law, that millions of files remain withheld, and that state prosecutors need unredacted investigative records. They urge Congress to pass H.R. 9694 and S. 5005.
Letter from 17 state attorneys general to congressional leaders supporting the Epstein Files Transparency Act IIFull letter, 5 pages, October 15, 2026[10]Letitia James
New York Attorney General Letitia James announces that she joined 16 other attorneys general in a letter urging congressional leaders to pass the Epstein Files Transparency Act II. The release quotes James and lists the states that joined.
Attorney General James Calls on Congress to Pass Second Epstein Files Transparency Act · Letitia JamesFull release, October 15, 2026
November 2026
Massie says the petition will reach 218 signatures when the House returns
Claim
Two days after the midterm elections, Massie writes that the petition will get 218 signatures the next week, which he says guarantees a vote on the bill.
[11]Thomas Massie
Massie writes that when the House returns the next week, the discharge petition for the Epstein Files Transparency Act II will get 218 signatures, which he says guarantees a vote. He says the bill would let survivors get their own records, let state attorneys general prosecute crimes and let members take the Justice Department to court for keeping files hidden.
Thomas Massie's X post on getting 218 signatures for the Epstein Files Transparency Act II · Thomas MassieFull post, November 5, 2026
Claims
Claims separate what was said from what is contested. Follow each source for the original wording and context.
What's disputed
Disputed claim
The Justice Department continues to unlawfully withhold more than 3 million Epstein files and is maintaining heavy redactions on the files it releases.
What is disputed
The department said on Jan. 30, 2026 that it had published nearly 3.5 million pages in compliance with the law and that any material not produced falls into categories it lists. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said in July 2026 that the department complied with the law.
Sources (4)
- Massie, Khanna, Leger Fernández, Merkley, Luján Introduce the Epstein Files Transparency Act II · Thomas MassieFull release, July 15, 2026
- Massie seeks support for new Epstein files bill · Spectrum NewsFull article
- Department of Justice Publishes 3.5 Million Responsive Pages in Compliance with the Epstein Files Transparency Act · United States Department of JusticeFull release, January 30, 2026
- Massie introduces second Epstein files bill · Spectrum NewsFull article
Disputed claim
The Justice Department complied with the Epstein Files Transparency Act.
What is disputed
Massie, Khanna and 17 state attorneys general say the department is still withholding millions of files. The attorneys general's letter quotes a June 2026 ruling in Phang v. Blanche saying the attorney general conceded he was in violation of the law.
Sources (4)
- Massie introduces second Epstein files bill · Spectrum NewsFull article
- Department of Justice Publishes 3.5 Million Responsive Pages in Compliance with the Epstein Files Transparency Act · United States Department of JusticeFull release, January 30, 2026
- Letter from 17 state attorneys general to congressional leaders supporting the Epstein Files Transparency Act IIFull letter, 5 pages, October 15, 2026
- Massie, Khanna, Leger Fernández, Merkley, Luján Introduce the Epstein Files Transparency Act II · Thomas MassieFull release, July 15, 2026
Response record
Responses
Choose one response filter, or select All responses to see the full record.
7 responses. First 6 shown initially. Newest first.
Thomas MassieU.S. representative from Kentucky and lead sponsor of the bill, in a post on XDirectly involvedBefore this statement
Massie opens the post by saying that when the House returns the next week, the petition will get 218 signatures for the Epstein Files Transparency Act II, which he says guarantees a vote.
"Survivors will be able to get their own records, State Attorneys General can prosecute crimes, and we can take the DOJ to court for keeping critical files hidden."
CondemnedResponding to: The Justice Department continues to unlawfully withhold more than 3 million Epstein files and is maintaining heavy redactions on the files it releases.
Full statement and sources
Massie writes that the discharge petition for the Epstein Files Transparency Act II will get 218 signatures when the House returns the next week, guaranteeing a vote, and that the bill would let survivors get their own records, let state attorneys general prosecute crimes and let members take the Justice Department to court for keeping critical files hidden.
After the statement
This is the last sentence of the post.
Thomas Massie's X post on getting 218 signatures for the Epstein Files Transparency Act II · Thomas MassieFull post, November 5, 2026Why this label?
The reference point is the Justice Department's handling of the Epstein files under the 2025 Epstein Files Transparency Act, which the Epstein Files Transparency Act II would let states, victims and members of Congress challenge in court. Massie says the department is keeping critical files hidden and presents the bill as a way to take it to court, which condemns its handling of the files.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Letitia JamesNew York attorney general, in a release from her officeBefore this statement
James says that as New York's top law enforcement officer, it is her duty to uphold the law and pursue justice for survivors of crimes.
"Congress passed the Epstein Files Transparency Act to ensure accountability and transparency, but the federal administration has failed to release records as the law requires."
CondemnedResponding to: The Justice Department continues to unlawfully withhold more than 3 million Epstein files and is maintaining heavy redactions on the files it releases.
Full statement and sources
James, one of 17 state attorneys general who wrote to congressional leaders, says the federal administration has failed to release Epstein records as the 2025 law requires and urges Congress to pass the second bill.
After the statement
She says justice for Epstein's survivors requires full access to the record and urges Congress to pass the legislation. The letter she joined says millions of files remain withheld and that state prosecutors need unredacted investigative records.
Attorney General James Calls on Congress to Pass Second Epstein Files Transparency Act · Letitia JamesFull release, October 15, 2026Letter from 17 state attorneys general to congressional leaders supporting the Epstein Files Transparency Act IIFull letter, 5 pages, October 15, 2026Why this label?
The reference point is the Justice Department's handling of the Epstein files under the 2025 Epstein Files Transparency Act, which the Epstein Files Transparency Act II would let states, victims and members of Congress challenge in court. James says the administration has failed to release records as the law requires, which condemns the department's handling of the files.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Abigail JacksonWhite House spokeswoman, in a statement to Spectrum NewsBefore this statement
Spectrum News reports that Massie and Khanna say the Justice Department has not fully complied with the 2025 law. Jackson begins her statement by saying that, just as Trump has said, he has been totally exonerated on anything relating to Epstein.
"by releasing thousands of pages of documents, cooperating with the House Oversight Committee's subpoena request, signing the Epstein Files Transparency Act, and calling for more investigations into Epstein's Democrat friends, President Trump has done more for Epstein's victims than anyone before him."
Defended or excusedResponding to: The Justice Department complied with the Epstein Files Transparency Act.
Full statement and sources
In a statement to Spectrum News for its story on the second bill, Jackson says Trump has been totally exonerated on anything relating to Epstein, and that by releasing thousands of pages of documents, cooperating with a House Oversight subpoena, signing the 2025 law and calling for more investigations, he has done more for Epstein's victims than anyone before him.
After the statement
This is the end of the statement as Spectrum News prints it.
Massie introduces second Epstein files bill · Spectrum NewsFull articleWhy this label?
The reference point is the Justice Department's handling of the Epstein files under the 2025 Epstein Files Transparency Act, which the Epstein Files Transparency Act II would let states, victims and members of Congress challenge in court. Jackson cites the administration's document releases and Trump's signing of the law as evidence that he has done more for Epstein's victims than anyone, which defends the administration's handling of the files.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Ro KhannaU.S. representative from California and co-lead sponsor of the bill, in the sponsors' announcementDirectly involvedBefore this statement
Khanna says that he and Massie introduced their bill to release the Epstein files nearly a year earlier.
"Since then, the DOJ has violated our law, delayed the release of millions of files, botched the redactions, and denied the survivors justice."
CondemnedResponding to: The Justice Department continues to unlawfully withhold more than 3 million Epstein files and is maintaining heavy redactions on the files it releases.
Full statement and sources
Khanna says that since he and Massie introduced their first Epstein files bill, the Justice Department has violated the law, delayed the release of millions of files, botched redactions and denied survivors justice, and that the new bill would let state attorneys general and survivors sue the attorney general.
After the statement
He says that is why he is joining Massie and colleagues to introduce the Epstein Files Transparency Act II, which allows state attorneys general and survivors to sue the U.S. attorney general and demand transparency.
Massie, Khanna, Leger Fernández, Merkley, Luján Introduce the Epstein Files Transparency Act II · Thomas MassieFull release, July 15, 2026Khanna, Massie, Leger Fernández, Merkley, Luján Introduce the Epstein Files Transparency Act II · Ro KhannaFull releaseWhy this label?
The reference point is the Justice Department's handling of the Epstein files under the 2025 Epstein Files Transparency Act, which the Epstein Files Transparency Act II would let states, victims and members of Congress challenge in court. Khanna says the department violated the law, delayed releases and botched redactions, which condemns its handling of the files.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Teresa Leger FernandezU.S. representative from New Mexico and chair of the Democratic Women's Caucus, co-leading the bill, in the sponsors' announcementBefore this statement
The sponsors' announcement says the bill would give state attorneys general, victims and members of Congress standing to challenge the Justice Department in court for failing to comply with the 2025 law.
"Todd Blanche and the Department of Justice have refused to release as many as 3 million Epstein files: they are hiding the truth from the American people and creating even more injustice and trauma for survivors"
CondemnedResponding to: The Justice Department continues to unlawfully withhold more than 3 million Epstein files and is maintaining heavy redactions on the files it releases.
Full statement and sources
Leger Fernández says Blanche and the Justice Department have refused to release as many as 3 million Epstein files, that there must be consequences when the administration does not comply with the law, and that Blanche should resign rather than be confirmed.
After the statement
She says that when the administration does not comply with the law there must be consequences, that Blanche is not fit to serve and should resign, and that Congress must pass the bill to put power with survivors.
Massie, Khanna, Leger Fernández, Merkley, Luján Introduce the Epstein Files Transparency Act II · Thomas MassieFull release, July 15, 2026Khanna, Massie, Leger Fernández, Merkley, Luján Introduce the Epstein Files Transparency Act II · Ro KhannaFull releaseWhy this label?
The reference point is the Justice Department's handling of the Epstein files under the 2025 Epstein Files Transparency Act, which the Epstein Files Transparency Act II would let states, victims and members of Congress challenge in court. Leger Fernández says the department is refusing to release millions of files and hiding the truth, which condemns its handling of the files.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Todd BlancheActing U.S. attorney general seeking Senate confirmation, as quoted by Spectrum NewsDirectly involvedBefore this statement
Spectrum News reports that Blanche defended the department's compliance with the law but acknowledged some mistakes. He says approximately 1% of the redactions had to be fixed after the department released the files and that it had dozens of lawyers on call.
"This administration, when it comes to Jeffrey Epstein, has been more transparent than any past administration, than Biden was or anybody else and what we did is we complied with the law."
Defended or excusedResponding to: The Justice Department complied with the Epstein Files Transparency Act.
Full statement and sources
Blanche says about 1 percent of redactions had to be fixed after the Epstein files were released and that the department had dozens of lawyers on call around the clock, and says the administration has been more transparent about Epstein than any past administration and complied with the law.
After the statement
Spectrum News reports the remarks in its story on the Epstein Files Transparency Act II, which Massie says would give members of Congress standing to challenge the attorney general in court.
Massie introduces second Epstein files bill · Spectrum NewsFull articleWhy this label?
The reference point is the Justice Department's handling of the Epstein files under the 2025 Epstein Files Transparency Act, which the Epstein Files Transparency Act II would let states, victims and members of Congress challenge in court. Blanche acknowledges that some redactions had to be fixed but says the department complied with the law and has been more transparent than past administrations, which defends its handling of the files.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Show fewer responses
United States Department of JusticeU.S. Department of Justice, in a release from its Office of Public AffairsDirectly involvedBefore this statement
The department says it published more than 3 million additional pages responsive to the law, including more than 2,000 videos and 180,000 images.
"Combined with prior releases, this makes the total production nearly 3.5 million pages released in compliance with the Act."
Defended or excusedResponding to: The Justice Department complied with the Epstein Files Transparency Act.
Full statement and sources
The department says it published more than 3 million additional pages responsive to the Epstein Files Transparency Act, bringing its total to nearly 3.5 million pages released in compliance with the law, and that any material not produced falls into categories it lists.
After the statement
It says it erred on the side of over-collecting materials and that any materials not produced fall within categories it lists. It says more than 500 attorneys and reviewers worked on the effort.
Department of Justice Publishes 3.5 Million Responsive Pages in Compliance with the Epstein Files Transparency Act · United States Department of JusticeFull release, January 30, 2026Why this label?
The reference point is the Justice Department's handling of the Epstein files under the 2025 Epstein Files Transparency Act, which the Epstein Files Transparency Act II would let states, victims and members of Congress challenge in court. The department describes its production as complying with the law and explains what it did not produce, which defends its handling of the files.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Sources
(13)
Original post
Thomas Massie's X post on getting 218 signatures for the Epstein Files Transparency Act II
About this source
Massie writes that when the House returns the next week, the discharge petition for the Epstein Files Transparency Act II will get 218 signatures, which he says guarantees a vote. He says the bill would let survivors get their own records, let state attorneys general prosecute crimes and let members take the Justice Department to court for keeping files hidden.
- Author
- Thomas Massie
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Massie seeks support for new Epstein files bill
Relevant passage: Full article
About this source
Spectrum News reports Massie's August 31 House floor remarks launching the petition, in which he says the government continues to withhold more than three million files. It quotes Rep. Andy Barr, a Kentucky Republican, saying he had already voted to release the files and was not interested in grandstanding.
- Author
- Erin Kelly
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Massie's Epstein bill push approaches required signatures
Relevant passage: Full article
About this source
Spectrum News reports that Massie said on social media that the petition had 216 of the 218 signatures it needs and that two Democrats who were out sick had pledged to sign. It names the three other Republicans who signed and reports that Blanche has defended the department's compliance with the first law.
- Author
- Erin Kelly
- Published
- Accessed
Original text
Letter from 17 state attorneys general to congressional leaders supporting the Epstein Files Transparency Act II
Relevant passage: Full letter, 5 pages, October 15, 2026
About this source
Letter on Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes's letterhead to Speaker Mike Johnson, Hakeem Jeffries, John Thune and Charles Schumer. The attorneys general say the Justice Department has failed to fulfill its duties under the 2025 law, that millions of files remain withheld, and that state prosecutors need unredacted investigative records. They urge Congress to pass H.R. 9694 and S. 5005.
- Author
- Kristin K. Mayes, Aaron D. Ford, Raúl Torrez and 14 other state attorneys general
- Published
- Accessed
Official statement
Attorney General James Calls on Congress to Pass Second Epstein Files Transparency Act
Relevant passage: Full release, October 15, 2026
About this source
New York Attorney General Letitia James announces that she joined 16 other attorneys general in a letter urging congressional leaders to pass the Epstein Files Transparency Act II. The release quotes James and lists the states that joined.
- Author
- Office of the New York State Attorney General
- Published
- Accessed
Official statement
Department of Justice Publishes 3.5 Million Responsive Pages in Compliance with the Epstein Files Transparency Act
Relevant passage: Full release, January 30, 2026
About this source
The Justice Department says it published more than 3 million additional pages responsive to the Epstein Files Transparency Act, bringing its total to nearly 3.5 million pages, and that any material not produced falls into categories it lists. It says more than 500 attorneys and reviewers worked on the release and that reviewers were told to limit redactions to the protection of victims and their families.
- Author
- Office of Public Affairs, U.S. Department of Justice
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Massie introduces second Epstein files bill
Relevant passage: Full article
About this source
Spectrum News reports the introduction of the Epstein Files Transparency Act II and quotes Massie on why members of Congress need standing to sue. It quotes Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche's defense of the department's compliance on Wednesday, July 15, and a statement White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson gave Spectrum News on Thursday.
- Author
- Erin Kelly
- Published
- Accessed
Original text
Discharge Petition No. 27 (119th Congress) on H.Res. 1430, with member signatures
Relevant passage: Petition text and signature list, read November 8, 2026
About this source
The House clerk's page for the petition Massie filed on August 31, 2026 to discharge the Rules Committee from H.Res. 1430. As read on November 8, 2026, it lists 216 signatures, from 212 Democrats and four Republicans (Massie, Nancy Mace, Ralph Norman and Brian Fitzpatrick). The last signatures are dated September 16, 2026.
- Author
- Office of the Clerk, U.S. House of Representatives
- Published
- Accessed
Original text
H.Res. 1430, resolution providing for House consideration of the Epstein Files Transparency Act II
Relevant passage: Resolution text as introduced, July 15, 2026
About this source
The resolution Massie submitted with Khanna and Leger Fernández and referred to the Rules Committee. It would bring up H.R. 185 and adopt an amendment replacing its text with the Epstein Files Transparency Act II, with one hour of debate. The discharge petition is filed on this resolution.
- Author
- U.S. House of Representatives
- Published
- Accessed
Original text
H.R. 9694, Epstein Files Transparency Act II, as introduced in the House
Relevant passage: Bill text as introduced, July 15, 2026
About this source
Text of the bill Massie introduced with Khanna and Leger Fernández, referred to the House Judiciary Committee. It would let state attorneys general, district attorneys, other authorized state officers and victims sue the U.S. attorney general over withheld or redacted Epstein records, give victims access to unredacted records about themselves, give members of Congress a cause of action, bar the Justice Department from invoking common law privileges to withhold covered records, and apply existing federal penalties to officials who conceal or falsify them.
- Author
- U.S. House of Representatives
- Published
- Accessed
Official statement
Khanna, Massie, Leger Fernández, Merkley, Luján Introduce the Epstein Files Transparency Act II
Relevant passage: Full release
About this source
Khanna's office posts the announcement of H.R. 9694 with the same statements from Khanna, Massie, Leger Fernández, Merkley, Luján and Torrez that appear in Massie's July 15 release.
- Author
- Office of Rep. Ro Khanna
- Published
- Accessed
Official statement
Massie, Khanna, Leger Fernández, Merkley, Luján Introduce the Epstein Files Transparency Act II
Relevant passage: Full release, July 15, 2026
About this source
Massie's office announces H.R. 9694, which would give state attorneys general, victims and members of Congress standing to challenge the Justice Department in court over compliance with the 2025 law. The release quotes Massie, Khanna, Leger Fernández, Sens. Jeff Merkley and Ben Ray Luján, and New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez, and says a discharge petition will be circulated if the House does not consider the bill within seven legislative days.
- Author
- Office of Rep. Thomas Massie
- Published
- Accessed
Original text
Epstein Files Transparency Act: Senate passage and presidential signing
Relevant passage: November 19, 2025 Senate passage by unanimous consent and signed-by-President entries
About this source
The bill history distinguishes Senate unanimous consent from a recorded roll-call vote.
- Published
- Accessed
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- Title
- Massie says a second Epstein files bill will get the 218 signatures needed to force a House vote; the Justice Department says it complied with the first law
- First published
- Last updated
- Permalink
- https://disputeindex.com/cases/massie-epstein-files-transparency-act-ii-discharge-petition
The Dispute Index. "Massie says a second Epstein files bill will get the 218 signatures needed to force a House vote; the Justice Department says it complied with the first law". First published: 2026-11-08. Last updated: 2026-11-08. https://disputeindex.com/cases/massie-epstein-files-transparency-act-ii-discharge-petition