Discharge Petition for Epstein Files Transparency Act II Reaches 217 Signatures, One Short of Forcing a House Vote
The public ledger kept by the Clerk of the U.S. House of Representatives shows that the discharge petition seeking to force a House vote on the Epstein Files Transparency Act II has reached 217 signatures, one short of the 218 needed to bring the measure to the floor.
The petition was filed on August 31 by Representative Thomas Massie, a Kentucky Republican. Representative Adam Smith, a Washington Democrat, signed on November 10, becoming the 217th signer and the first new signature since the House recessed. The signers include more than 212 Democrats and four Republicans: Massie himself, Nancy Mace, Ralph Norman and Brian Fitzpatrick. California Democrat John Garamendi is among the Democrats who have not signed. Massie has said that when the House returns, supporters will get the 218 signatures, which guarantees a vote.
The Epstein Files Transparency Act II, introduced by Massie, would, according to its text and summaries, allow Epstein survivors to obtain their own records, allow state attorneys general to prosecute crimes, and allow lawsuits against the Department of Justice over withheld critical files. Under House rules, once a petition reaches 218 signatures the motion must sit on the Discharge Calendar for seven legislative days before it can be acted on, putting a realistic vote in late November to early December.
Source: Office of the Clerk of the U.S. House
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 美国众议院议事厅（资料图）。图：美国众议院，公共领域，经维基共享资源 / The chamber of the U.S. House of Representatives (file photo). Photo by the U.S. House of Representatives, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
