House GOP's Epstein files headache is back

The House Republican battle over the Epstein files files is resurfacing, potentially causing turmoil for members once again. Congressman Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) needs just one more Republican supporter to force another politically challenging vote on the Epstein Files Transparency Act II, which would compel the Department of Justice to release over 3 million files allegedly withheld by the department.

Massie and his allies are pursuing the final Republican endorsement. Retiring Congressman Ralph Norman (R-S.C.) recently endorsed the effort, bringing Massie's total to three Republican signatures. Massie and fellow Representative Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) are now targeting retiring Republicans and members in districts where they face challenges.

Lauren Boebert (R-Colo.), who signed Massie's first petition last year, is contemplating a second signature. This renewed push is reopening one of the most contentious disputes from Trump's second term for House Republicans. Last year, the Epstein petition led to a months-long headache for Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) and the White House, resulting in 218 signatures and the bill's passage with near-unanimous support.

The Act II would further the release of restricted files. Massie accuses Johnson of manipulating the House calendar to prevent a vote on the matter. Johnson recently canceled two of the House's remaining September work weeks. Massie claims Democrats need to provide their remaining signatures, though the party leadership is encouraging members to support the bill.

Massie views the lack of Democratic opposition as a logistical issue rather than a political one. Massie is targeting Republicans who may have less to lose by opposing President Trump. He is discussing the matter with members in districts where they are polling poorly, emphasizing that signing the petition could help them with their reelection campaigns.

Boebert, who signed the first petition, may provide the crucial fourth Republican signature, but Massie does not expect those who signed last year to do so again.