House to vote on releasing Epstein files amid GOP-White House split
WASHINGTON (TNND) — The House of Representatives is set to vote next week on a bill that would require the Department of Justice to release files related to the Jeffrey Epstein case. This move comes despite opposition from Republican leadership, as enough members have signed on to force the vote. 218 House members signed on to a discharge petition that brings the bill to the floor, even with Republican leadership in the chamber opposed.
Despite the release, attorneys for Epstein's victims argue that more information remains undisclosed. (TNND)
"The discharge petition is not only reckless, it is also a totally moot point. The oversight committee has been working, as you all know, around the clock working on this, House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La, told reporters.
The House Oversight Committee recently released 20,000 pages of documents, including Epstein emails, part of a subpoena of the Epstein estate. These emails, dating from at least 2011 to 2019, mention President Trump multiple times, suggesting Epstein had damaging information on him. Some messages include correspondence between former U.K. Prince Andrew and former President Bill Clinton is also mentioned as having never travelled to Epstein's infamous island.
Despite the release, attorneys for Epstein's victims argue that more information remains undisclosed.
"These are not the files that everyone’s been talking about are not the FBI files," James Marsh, an attorney representing the victims, said.
Rep. Tim Burchett, R-Tenn., attempted to pass the bill immediately after a bill to reopen the government was voted on through a process known as unanimous consent. Unanimous consent doesn't require a roll call vote, and he accused Democrats of blocking it.
"I hope Epstein is burning in hell right now. There’s no love lost for that dirtbag. But the Democrats have once again proven my point, it’s all about the show, about them, it’s about power," Burchett said.
It remains unclear whether or not the DOJ is already in possession of some or all of the files released by the House Oversight Committee this week. John P. Fishwick Jr., a former U.S. attorney, said the public has a right to see all the files of the case.
"I think right now, it’s still just kind of dripping out. I think we need to see a full total document dump and let people make their own conclusions," Fishwick said.
Even if the bill passes the House, it faces challenges in the Senate, and the President is unlikely to sign it. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters this week that the document release was a distraction and a hoax.
