Despite Reaching 218 Signatures, Epstein Files Discharge Petition Stalls as Speaker Johnson Blocks Floor Vote

A bipartisan effort to force the release of long-classified federal documents related to Jeffrey Epstein has reached a pivotal moment in Congress. Yet, despite securing the required 218 signatures on a discharge petition—a rare legislative maneuver designed to bypass House leadership—the Epstein Files Transparency Act remains in limbo. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-LA) has so far refused to bring the measure to the floor, igniting a firestorm of criticism and raising questions about political influence and institutional transparency.

🧾 What Is a Discharge Petition—and Why It Matters

The discharge petition, filed by Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) on September 2, is one of the few tools available to rank-and-file members to force action on stalled legislation. In this case, the petition supports the Epstein Files Transparency Act, a bill co-sponsored by Massie and Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA), which would mandate the Department of Justice to release all investigative files related to Epstein and his alleged co-conspirator Ghislaine Maxwell within 30 days of enactment.

Discharge petitions are notoriously difficult to pull off. They require 218 signatures—an absolute majority of the House—and are often viewed as a rebuke of leadership. The final signature came from newly elected Rep. Adelita Grijalva (D-AZ), whose campaign centered on government accountability and transparency. Her victory and subsequent endorsement of the petition gave supporters hope that the bill would finally see the light of day.

🚪 Speaker Johnson’s Gatekeeping Role

Despite the procedural success, Speaker Johnson has not scheduled the bill for a vote. While discharge petitions are meant to override leadership bottlenecks, the Speaker retains control over the House calendar and can use procedural tools to delay or sideline the bill. Critics argue that Johnson’s refusal undermines the democratic intent of the petition process.

Behind the scenes, Johnson’s resistance appears to be influenced by political pressure. Multiple sources suggest that allies of former President Donald Trump have lobbied against the release of the Epstein files, fearing potential fallout from their contents. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA), one of the most vocal supporters of the petition, has publicly stated that she faced “intense pushback” from Trump-aligned figures over her advocacy.

🔥 The Stakes: Public Trust and Political Fallout

The Epstein case remains one of the most controversial and enigmatic criminal investigations in recent memory. Epstein’s death in federal custody in 2019, officially ruled a suicide, only deepened public suspicion. His connections to powerful figures across politics, finance, and entertainment have fueled demands for transparency.

Supporters of the bill argue that releasing the files is essential to restoring public trust in government institutions. “This is not about partisan politics,” said Rep. Khanna. “It’s about justice, accountability, and the right of the American people to know the truth.”

The bill has drawn support from both sides of the aisle, including progressive Democrats and populist Republicans—an unusual coalition united by a shared belief in government transparency.

🧭 What Comes Next?

While the discharge petition technically compels a vote, the Speaker’s procedural authority means the bill could still be stalled indefinitely. Supporters are now ramping up public pressure, urging constituents to contact their representatives and demand action.

Legal experts note that if the bill is blocked, it could trigger a broader debate about reforming House rules to limit the Speaker’s unilateral control over the legislative agenda. Some lawmakers have already floated proposals to make discharge petitions more binding.

Meanwhile, the Epstein files remain sealed, and the public continues to wait—caught between the promise of transparency and the reality of political obstruction.

Sources: Politico CBS News USA Today The Hill