"A House push to release files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein cleared a significant hurdle Nov. 12, as Democrats and a handful of Republicans reached 218 signatures to force a floor vote on a bill to release the files within 30 days. Republican leaders aligned with President Donald Trump's wishes by stalling Democrat-backed legislation to release the files. Trump, a onetime friend of Epstein, has faced persistent questions about what the files may show about the two men's history."
"Bill sponsors Reps. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., and Ro Khanna, D-Calif., used an arcane procedural tactic called a discharge petition to secure floor consideration. The move came over the objections from Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., and other Republican leaders. Johnson has argued that the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee's ongoing effort is sufficient. The committee has released tranches of emails and other documents related to Epstein, most recently on Nov. 12, a release that included emails from Epstein that discussed Trump."
"For weeks, the discharge effort was stuck at 217 votes - one short of the required 218 - but supporters reached the magic number Nov. 12 when newly elected Rep. Adelita Grijalva, D-Ariz., was sworn in 50 days after being elected. Grijalva signed the petition shortly after her swearing-in, making the discharge official. Massie and three other Republican members - Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, Lauren Boebert of Colorado and Nancy Mace of South Carolina - joined all Democrats in signing it."
Democrats and some Republicans secured 218 signatures on a discharge petition to force a House floor vote to release Epstein-related files within 30 days. Republican leaders, aligned with President Trump, tried to stall the Democrat-backed legislation and argued ongoing committee efforts were sufficient. The House Oversight committee released tranches of documents, including emails referencing Trump. The discharge petition reached 218 when Rep. Adelita Grijalva was sworn in and signed. Speaker Johnson said he would bring the measure for a vote the week of Nov. 17. Trump publicly opposed further releases, urging Republicans to focus on ending the government shutdown instead.
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