As Congress gears up to reconvene in September 2025, a bipartisan effort led by Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) and Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) to force the release of Jeffrey Epstein’s federal files is on a collision course with Republican leadership, who are pulling out all the stops to keep the controversial documents under wraps.

Why it matters: The battle over Epstein’s files, which could reveal ties to powerful figures, pits a small group of transparency advocates against GOP efforts to suppress the truth, with survivors and the public demanding accountability and justice.

Driving the news: Massie and Khanna are rallying support for their resolution to compel the release of withheld Epstein files, planning a high-profile September 3 press conference with survivors to amplify their cause.

• A House Oversight Committee subpoena demands DOJ documents by August 19.
• Ongoing court cases could soon force decisions on the files’ release.
• Democrats are set to exploit GOP divisions by pushing amendments to highlight the issue.

Catch up quick: The Epstein saga has long fueled suspicions of a government cover-up protecting elites, but a DOJ memo last month denied the existence of a “client list” and reaffirmed Epstein’s 2019 death as suicide, infuriating advocates like Massie who seek full disclosure.

The intrigue: Republican leaders, led by Speaker Mike Johnson, are deploying aggressive tactics to block the release of the Epstein files, from abruptly halting House Rules Committee meetings in July to avoid votes on the issue to pressuring GOP rebels to stay silent, revealing a concerted effort to shield potentially damaging revelations and maintain party control.

Between the lines: The GOP’s resistance stems from fears that the files could expose politically explosive connections, while Massie and Khanna’s defiance highlights a rare bipartisan stand against party loyalty in pursuit of truth.

What they’re saying:

• “I think it’s an insult to the survivors to call this a hoax,” Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) told The Hill, condemning GOP attempts to dismiss the Epstein controversy.
• “We are going to keep up the pressure,” a House Rules Committee Democratic spokesperson told The Hill, underscoring GOP efforts to keep the files hidden.

The bottom line: Despite fierce opposition from GOP leadership, Massie, Khanna, and Epstein’s survivors are steadfast in their fight to uncover the truth, a cause that not only seeks justice for victims but also challenges the culture of secrecy in Washington, making the release of these files a critical step toward accountability and public trust.