House Speaker Mike Johnson is under growing pressure from within his own party to allow a vote on releasing Jeffrey Epstein-related documents, as a bipartisan discharge petition gains momentum amid survivor testimonies and internal GOP tensions.
On September 3, 2025, Speaker Johnson spent over two hours in a closed-door meeting with six women who allege abuse by Jeffrey Epstein, describing their stories as ‘heartbreaking and infuriating.’ This meeting, held on the first day Congress returned from recess, underscores the escalating focus on Epstein’s crimes within the Republican Party, with Johnson balancing calls for transparency against the wishes of the Trump administration.
Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) and Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) are leading a discharge petition to force a House vote that would compel the Justice Department to release all files related to Epstein’s case. They need 218 signatures to proceed, with all 212 Democrats expected to support it and at least six Republicans, including Marjorie Taylor Greene and Lauren Boebert, already signaling their backing. If successful, a vote could occur within two weeks, bypassing leadership’s opposition.
Johnson and GOP leaders argue that the House Oversight Committee is already investigating the matter and that the discharge petition could inadvertently expose victim identities. They have proposed a non-binding resolution to support the committee’s work instead, but Massie and Khanna dismiss this as insufficient, claiming it lacks teeth and is merely a political maneuver to deflect pressure.
The issue is set to intensify with a press conference on September 4, where Epstein survivors, some speaking publicly for the first time, are expected to share what Khanna called ‘explosive’ revelations. This event could influence more Republicans to join the discharge effort, amplifying the pressure on Johnson to act.
Internally, some GOP lawmakers are frustrated that the Epstein matter is overshadowing other priorities like appropriations or foreign policy, but they recognize a vocal faction within the party is deeply committed to transparency. Democrats, meanwhile, accuse Johnson of stonewalling and advocate for a broader congressional investigation beyond the Oversight Committee.
The situation poses a significant challenge for Johnson, as forcing a vote against a president of his own party could have far-reaching political implications. The outcome may shape congressional dynamics and public trust, with potential repercussions for upcoming legislative battles and the 2025 political landscape.
