In a bold move defying party leadership, Republican Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky has initiated a discharge petition to compel the release of confidential Justice Department files concerning the late Jeffrey Epstein, a notorious figure linked to sex trafficking crimes. Filed on Tuesday, this petition represents a significant bipartisan effort, with Massie collaborating closely with Democrat Representative Ro Khanna of California.

The action took place shortly after Speaker Mike Johnson opened the day's session, signaling a potential shift in the House's handling of this sensitive issue. The petition aims to bypass traditional party leadership channels, which have so far hesitated to bring the matter forward. To succeed, the petition must garner the support of 218 members of the House.

Massie expressed optimism about reaching the required number of signatures to trigger a floor vote, although he clarified that he is not actively whipping votes. He also mentioned concerns about a possible counter-effort from the White House, which he claims is pressuring the twelve Republican co-sponsors of his measure to withdraw their support.

“There is a pressure campaign from the White House right now on those folks, on those 12,” Massie noted, underscoring the political sensitivity surrounding the Epstein case. “They've self-identified by being a cosponsor. But I think there are also ones that the White House is not whipping that may be inclined to sign it.”

On the Democratic side, the response has been robust and immediate. Representative Jim McGovern of Massachusetts, a leading Democrat on the Rules Committee, was among the first to sign the petition. He, along with other Democrats, is pushing for legislation that mirrors the Massie-Khanna proposal to be discussed and potentially brought to the floor.

The Rules Committee Democrats, as confirmed by McGovern, planned to propose during a Tuesday afternoon meeting that the House consider the Massie-Khanna legislation as soon as possible.

This unfolding scenario underscores a rare bipartisan agreement on the need for transparency and accountability in the handling of the Epstein investigation, a case that has captured public attention and raised numerous questions about the involvement of high-profile individuals in Epstein’s activities. As the petition gains signatures, it reflects a growing legislative push to shed light on the darker corners of this high-profile case.