In a decisive move, House Rules Chair Virginia Foxx announced that the Republican Party will not obstruct Rep. Thomas Massie's initiative to push a discharge petition aimed at unveiling the Justice Department's complete file on the Jeffrey Epstein case. This statement came during a brief interview on Tuesday, underscoring a significant moment in the ongoing saga surrounding the Epstein investigations.

Rep. Massie, a Republican from Kentucky, is set to introduce his discharge petition today. This procedural move is designed to trigger a vote on his bipartisan bill, which mandates the full disclosure of the Epstein-related documents held by the Justice Department. The aim is to shed light on the circumstances surrounding Epstein’s criminal activities and his controversial death in 2019, which was ruled a suicide.

Speaker Mike Johnson, also a Republican, revealed plans to meet with a group of Epstein's victims later the same day. The meeting is part of the House Republicans' broader approach to handle the sensitive Epstein files with care. "The House Republicans have been very consistent about maximum disclosure and maximum transparency with the Epstein file," Speaker Johnson stated. However, he also emphasized the importance of proceeding in a manner that protects the victims of the crimes linked to Epstein.

Despite the leadership’s cautious approach, the Speaker expressed skepticism about Massie’s comments and actions regarding the release of the files. "I would not put much stock into what Thomas Massie says," Johnson remarked, indicating a potential divide within the party lines on how best to manage the release of such sensitive information.

This unfolding story highlights the complex balance of transparency, justice, and victim protection that the lawmakers must navigate. As Rep. Massie's petition moves forward, it will likely spark further debate both within Congress and amongst the public, as the nation still grapples with the shadow cast by Epstein's crimes and the mysteries surrounding his death.