Reps Thomas Massie and Ro Khanna Lead Epstein File Petition Effort, Epstein Victims to Testify [WATCH]

Reps. Thomas Massie (R-KY) and Ro Khanna (D-CA) are scheduled to hold a press conference on Wednesday with ten women identified as Jeffrey Epstein’s victims, as reported by the Gateway Pundit.

The announcement comes as lawmakers continue efforts to force a vote on the declassification of Epstein-related files.

Massie, along with Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA), previously joined Khanna in filing a discharge petition intended to compel the House of Representatives to take up the measure. According to Khanna, 12 Republicans and 12 Democrats have signed onto the petition.

Trump’s Sovereign Wealth Fund: What Could It Mean For Your Money?

The initiative has faced obstacles. In August, House Speaker Mike Johnson adjourned the chamber for the month, effectively stalling momentum on the petition.

Johnson later criticized Massie, noting that the Kentucky congressman did not attempt to push the measure to the floor during the Biden administration.

Massie has publicly called for the release of Epstein’s client list, writing on February 10, 2024, “I demand the release of Epstein’s client list!”

I demand the release of Epstein’s client list!

— Thomas Massie (@RepThomasMassie) February 10, 2024

This Could Be the Most Important Video Gun Owners Watch All Year

‘

However, it remains unclear whether the effort would have garnered enough support for passage when Joe Biden was in office. Supporters of President Donald Trump, including FBI Director Kash Patel, have previously advocated for the disclosure of the files.

The Trump administration’s handling of the matter drew frustration earlier this year. In February, Attorney General Pam Bondi and Director Patel oversaw the release of Epstein documents to a group of political influencers.

The materials were later criticized as containing no new information. Bondi said afterward that her office had been misled by FBI agents and that thousands of pages had been withheld.

Patel has also defended the official conclusion that Epstein died by suicide, despite widely reported irregularities surrounding the incident, including broken security cameras, inattentive guards, and falsified logs.

In July, a leaked Justice Department memo stated that there was no incriminating client list, no credible blackmail evidence, and no grounds to pursue further charges against uncharged associates of Epstein.

President Trump himself has spoken critically of those pushing hardest for disclosure. “It’s perpetrated by the Democrats and some stupid Republicans and foolish Republicans fall into the net, and so they try and do the Democrats work,” the President said.

He added that the notion that there is more to uncover in the case was “bullsh*t” and described it as a “Jeffrey Epstein hoax.”

Despite the divisions, Massie and Khanna announced that victims who have not previously spoken publicly will appear at the September 3 press conference at the U.S. Capitol.

“These victims haven’t spoken for decades. When Epstein got that lenient plea deal, no one talked to the victims or their lawyers,” Khanna said in an interview with Fox.

He continued, “All the victims are saying is for closure, we need the Epstein files released, that there are a lot of other rich, powerful men, politicians, business leaders, who have committed abuse and who have not been held accountable.”

Khanna stated that 212 Democrats and 12 Republicans, including Greene and Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-CO), now support the effort. He expressed confidence that the petition would eventually reach the 218 signatures necessary to force a floor vote.

The press conference will be held on the Capitol steps, where Khanna said the testimony of the victims could shift public opinion and increase pressure on lawmakers.

The opinions expressed by contributors and/or content partners are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of LifeZette. Contact us for guidelines on submitting your own commentary.