Thomas Massie
U.S. Representative Thomas Massie (R-Kentucky) filed the congressional discharge petition to release the Jeffrey Epstein files and was one of four Republicans to sign alongside Nancy Mace.
Thomas David Massie is a U.S. Representative from Kentucky's 4th district, first elected in 2012. He is a member of the Republican Party and the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
What Happened
July 15, 2025, Khanna introduces H.R. 4405. Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) introduced H.R. 4405, the "Epstein Files Transparency Act," to compel the Department of Justice to release all unredacted Epstein-related files to the public.
September 2, 2025, Massie files the discharge petition. When the bill stalled in committee, Massie filed a discharge petition to force a floor vote. He was joined by three other Republicans, Nancy Mace (SC), Lauren Boebert (CO), and Marjorie Taylor Greene (GA), making them four GOP signers on a petition led by Khanna and other Democrats.
November 12, 2025, Petition reaches 218 signatures. The petition hit the 218-signature threshold needed to force a vote. President Trump subsequently pressured the four Republican signers to withdraw their support.
November 18, 2025, House votes 427-1. The full House voted 427-1 to pass the Epstein Files Transparency Act. Massie voted in favor.
2026 Kentucky primary. Massie lost his 2026 primary re-election bid, widely attributed to his vote on the Epstein files release and the political fallout from the Trump administration's pressure.
Sources
- Congress.gov, H.R. 4405: Epstein Files Transparency Act
- Axios, Trump pressures GOP lawmakers who signed Epstein discharge petition (November 12, 2025)
- NPR, Epstein Files Bill House Vote (November 18, 2025)
- Washington Times, Epstein Files Crusade Takes Down Mace (June 10, 2026)