House lawmakers advanced an Epstein files bill toward a possible floor vote
A House discharge petition for the Epstein Files Transparency Act II reached 218 signatures Wednesday, clearing a procedural hurdle for a possible floor vote on legislation that would let state attorneys general, survivors and members of Congress sue the Justice Department over records withheld or improperly redacted. All 214 House Democrats and four Republicans signed, ABC News reported.
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Republican Rep. Thomas Massie and Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna led the effort. Democratic Reps. Adam Smith and John Garamendi supplied the final signatures, Roll Call reported.
ABC News said the petition is placed on the House calendar for at least seven legislative days before a signer can offer a discharge motion. The speaker then has two legislative days to act; if the motion passes, the House can take up the bill. A vote could come after Thanksgiving recess.
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