On Sunday, Representatives Thomas Massie from Kentucky and Ro Khanna from California expressed their concerns regarding the Justice Department’s justification for withholding Epstein’s files, asserting that the release wouldn’t compromise victim safety.
Massie, during an appearance on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” stated, “That’s a straw man.” He highlighted that their legislation clearly involves redacting victims’ names and ensuring no inappropriate material would be released, therefore challenging the narrative being pushed. “They’re hiding behind that, but our goal is to seek justice for these victims.”
The duo initially collaborated in July on a discharge petition aimed at compelling the House to vote on a proposal that would permit Attorney General Pam Bondi 30 days to make a significant collection of files related to Epstein’s case public. Both emphasized that neglecting to act could further erode public trust in their elected officials.
Massie and Khanna specifically took issue with the DOJ’s recent claims that its priority was safeguarding victims by not releasing additional documents. Khanna pointed out the lack of consultation with victims themselves, stating, “No one has asked the victims what they want. They are in support of releasing these files for healing and closure.”
The Republican Party has found itself in a pickle after the Justice Department announced earlier in July that its extensive review found no significant evidence against associated high-profile clients or any extortion ties regarding Epstein, who, as noted, died in a jail cell in New York back in 2019.
The former President Donald Trump’s alleged ties to Epstein and his responses—labeling the incident as a “hoax” orchestrated by what he referred to as “Radical Left Democrats”—have only intensified backlash from a segment of Republican voters.
Khanna noted during his segment, “Trust in government is crucial for constructive actions. When JFK was in office, trust levels were at 60 percent. Now, they are dwindling into the teens.“
Amid increased pressure for votes related to Epstein, Republican leaders, responding to potential dissent within their ranks, shuffled the House schedule and sent members home for an early August recess.
In response to Republicans’ hesitance, Massie remarked, “If it’s painful for Mike Johnson to decide whether to protect wealthy individuals’ reputations or deliver justice for victims, I’m baffled by that perspective. The American public is entitled to this information, irrespective of any political fallout for the speaker.”
