U.S. House Reaches Milestone in Effort to Release Epstein Files with Bipartisan Support

On November 12, 2025, the U.S. House of Representatives reached a pivotal moment in the ongoing effort to release Justice Department files related to Jeffrey Epstein. Representative Adelita Grijalva (D-Arizona) was sworn in, providing the 218th signature on a discharge petition that compels a House vote on the matter.

This bipartisan initiative, led by Representatives Thomas Massie (R-Kentucky) and Ro Khanna (D-California), aims to mandate the Attorney General to release all unclassified documents pertaining to Epstein's case. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana) announced that the vote would be scheduled for the following week. The move has garnered support from both sides of the aisle, with some Republicans, including Massie, Greene, Boebert, and Mace, joining Democrats in the push for transparency. The outcome of this vote could have significant political and legal implications, especially concerning high-profile individuals potentially linked to Epstein.

The Epstein Files Transparency Act was introduced on September 2, 2025, by Representatives Massie and Khanna, seeking to compel the Department of Justice to release all unclassified documents related to Jeffrey Epstein. In September 2025, a discharge petition was initiated to force a House vote on the bill, requiring 218 signatures to proceed. House Speaker Mike Johnson kept the House in recess during a government shutdown, delaying the swearing-in of Representative-elect Adelita Grijalva and, consequently, the progress of the discharge petition. On November 12, 2025, Adelita Grijalva was sworn in, providing the crucial 218th signature on the discharge petition, thereby compelling a House vote on the release of the Epstein files.

Adelita Grijalva, daughter of the late Representative Raúl Grijalva, was elected to Arizona's 7th congressional district in a special election on September 23, 2025. Her swearing-in was delayed until November 12, 2025, amid political contention. Thomas Massie, a Republican Representative from Kentucky, has been a vocal advocate for transparency regarding the Epstein case. He co-introduced the Epstein Files Transparency Act and spearheaded the discharge petition. Ro Khanna, a Democratic Representative from California, co-introduced the Epstein Files Transparency Act alongside Massie, emphasizing bipartisan support for the release of the documents. Mike Johnson, the Republican Speaker of the House from Louisiana, faced criticism for delaying Grijalva's swearing-in, which was perceived as a tactic to stall the discharge petition.

The bipartisan nature of the discharge petition underscores a collective demand for transparency in the Epstein case. However, the initiative has faced opposition from the White House, with President Trump reportedly pressuring Republican Representatives Lauren Boebert and Nancy Mace to withdraw their support. This places GOP lawmakers in a challenging position, balancing party loyalty with public calls for disclosure.

The release of the Epstein files could have profound legal ramifications, potentially implicating high-profile individuals and prompting further investigations. Societally, it addresses public demand for accountability and transparency in cases involving influential figures and systemic abuse.

This effort is unprecedented in its bipartisan approach to compel the release of sensitive documents related to a high-profile criminal case. While previous attempts have been made to obtain information about Epstein's connections and activities, this marks the first successful use of a discharge petition to force a House vote on such a matter.

The forthcoming House vote on the Epstein Files Transparency Act represents a critical juncture in the pursuit of transparency and justice. The bipartisan effort, the political dynamics at play, and the potential legal and societal implications make this a significant development warranting close attention.