TRUMP AND REPUBLICAN LEADERS RESIST
House Republican leaders are attempting to sidestep a direct vote, with House Speaker Mike Johnson instead backing a resolution supporting a committee investigation already underway. Massie criticised that approach as “the oldest trick in the swamp”.
President Donald Trump dismissed the bill’s significance, saying in the Oval Office that “thousands of pages of documents have been given” and labelling the push “a Democrat hoax”.
SURVIVORS DEMAND ACCOUNTABILITY
Despite Trump’s stance, pressure has mounted after a Republican-led panel released more than 33,000 pages of Epstein files on Tuesday. Survivors said broader disclosure was still necessary.
Massie and Khanna are using a rarely successful tactic called a discharge petition to force a House vote. They would need 218 signatures, meaning at least five Republicans would have to join all Democrats if they backed the bill.
As of Wednesday, Massie had the support of three Republicans: Nancy Mace, Lauren Boebert and Marjorie Taylor Greene. The effort could test Johnson’s leadership and Trump’s influence within the deeply divided House.
Source: CNA
