US House schedules vote on Epstein documents release for next week

The US House of Representatives will conduct a full floor vote next week on legislation requiring the Justice Department to release all documents related to the Jeffrey Epstein case, Speaker Mike Johnson announced Wednesday. The accelerated timeline comes as Republican lawmakers face mounting pressure to support transparency regarding the convicted sex offender's files, with the House Oversight Committee reportedly working intensively to prepare the measure for consideration.

Republican Pressure and Political Dynamics

Johnson's decision to expedite the vote reflects growing frustration within Republican ranks, where many members feel compelled to back the document release despite concerns about potential political ramifications. Representatives including Thomas Massie and Marjorie Taylor Greene have joined calls for transparency, with Tim Burchett urging leadership to "just get it to the daggum floor and let the people decide" rather than delaying the controversial vote further.

Procedural Breakthrough

The swearing-in of Democratic Representative Adelita Grijalva provided the decisive 218th signature required to advance the discharge petition, overcoming resistance from some Republican leaders and late opposition from the White House. Johnson acknowledged that with the necessary signatures secured, "we might as well just do it" rather than prolonging the process through procedural maneuvers.

Recent Document Releases

The House Oversight Committee simultaneously disclosed an additional 20,000 pages of material from Epstein's estate, including emails referencing Donald Trump in private correspondence spanning the past fifteen years. These latest document releases have been highlighted by Democratic lawmakers as the House prepares for what promises to be a contentious vote on the broader disclosure of Epstein-related files.