'We can't avoid justice'; KY congressman pushes for release of Epstein files

KY Republican Representative Thomas Massie said Sunday that those who might be in the Jeffrey Epstein files need to be held accountable regardless of their social status.

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Kentucky Representative Thomas Massie is leading the republican side of a bipartisan push for Justice Department officials to release the federal records related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

"We can't avoid justice just to avoid embarrassment for some very powerful men," Massie told ABC News.

Massie teamed up with Ro Khanna, Democratic Representative from California, to file what is known as a discharge petition. It would allow any member of the House to force legislation to the floor if a majority of House members sign it.

Khanna told ABC new there are enough votes in the House to force a vote. "We have the 218 votes, 216 already support it", Khanna siad, "That's going to happen by the end of September."

Sunday's update comes just days after survivors of Epstein's abuse joined lawmakers on Capitol Hill last week to demand the release of the files.

Survivors argued the records hold the keys to ensuring this never happens again. And by making these files public, many more participants could be held to account.

Massie said, "we are committed to bringing transparency to the America people and justice to the victims."

According to ABC News, Trump said on Friday that the Justice Department has given Congress "everything requested of them” and both the president and House Speaker Mike Johnson have said they believe that the push for more information on the Epstein case has been an overreaction and politicized.

Massie responded Sunday saying, "if that were true, why would the administration and establishment be so opposed to our legislation? The fact is it's not redundant and our legislation is necessary."

Massie and Khanna have said they expect to have a vote by the end of the month.

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