Massie, Khanna Secure 218 Signatures to Force House Vote on Epstein Files Act

Reps. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) and Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) announced on September 17, 2026, that they have secured the necessary 218 signatures on a discharge petition to force a House vote on the Epstein Files Transparency Act II. This bipartisan effort aims to expand access to previously withheld records related to Jeffrey Epstein’s criminal case, ensuring greater transparency and legal recourse for victims and state prosecutors.

Background and Significance of the Epstein Files Transparency Act II

The Epstein Files Transparency Act II builds on the original 2025 legislation, which granted limited access to Epstein-related records. This new bill would empower state attorneys general, district attorneys, and authorized officials to sue the U.S. attorney general for failing to comply with transparency requirements. It would also allow victims to access unredacted files concerning themselves and provide local prosecutors with critical information needed for ongoing investigations and prosecutions.

Rep. Khanna explained, “Epstein 2.0 will allow state attorney generals to prosecute people like Leon Black and the Epstein class, and it will allow survivors to get access to the Epstein files.” The legislation aims to close loopholes that have hindered justice and accountability in one of the most notorious criminal cases in recent history.

Bipartisan Support and the Path to a House Vote

The announcement comes after a MeidasTouch report confirmed the petition had reached 216 signatures earlier that day, with Massie and Khanna securing commitments from the two remaining members to reach the required 218. The four Republicans who have signed on include Massie himself, Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick (Pa.), Ralph Norman (S.C.), and Nancy Mace (S.C.). All but two House Democrats had signed the petition, with those two legislators reportedly delayed due to illness.

Massie noted, “When we return from recess that Speaker Johnson imposed until the election, Rep. Ro Khanna & I will have 218 names required to force a vote!” The House remains in recess until after the midterm elections, delaying the formal submission of the petition and the subsequent vote.

Previous Success and Ongoing Advocacy

Massie and Khanna previously used a discharge petition in November 2025 to successfully pass the original Epstein Files Transparency Act, which passed the House overwhelmingly, 427-1. This new push reflects continued congressional efforts to ensure transparency and justice for Epstein’s victims. Meanwhile, MeidasTouch host Katie Phang has been actively engaged in legal battles to compel the Trump administration to release additional withheld documents.

The renewed bipartisan effort underscores the persistent demand for accountability and the political will within Congress to confront ongoing challenges related to Epstein’s network and associated individuals.

Implications for Justice and Upcoming Legislative Agenda

If the discharge petition succeeds in forcing a House vote, the Epstein Files Transparency Act II could become a significant tool for state and local prosecutors. By facilitating access to critical evidence, the bill aims to enable prosecutions against individuals implicated in Epstein’s abuses and financial dealings, notably including high-profile figures like Leon Black.

This development also highlights the complexities facing Congress as it prepares to return from recess after the midterms. Alongside the Epstein petition, other key votes such as the impeachment of Pete Hegseth remain pending, signaling a busy legislative session ahead.

Massie and Khanna’s announcement marks a crucial step toward reopening discussions in the House on the Epstein case’s transparency, reflecting a rare moment of bipartisan cooperation amid a politically charged environment.