Full Breakdown
Rep. Thomas Massie Calls for Investigation of Alleged Epstein Co-Conspirators and Pushes New Transparency Bill
9/1/2026, 10:22:21 PM
Core Event: House Floor Speech and Discharge Petition (September 1 2026)
On September 1 2026, Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) read aloud fourteen individuals he described as “Epstein co-conspirators” and announced a discharge petition to force a vote on the Epstein Files Transparency Act II. The petition seeks the 218 signatures required to bring the bill to the floor despite committee opposition.
Background & Context
The original Epstein Files Transparency Act became law in November 2025 after Massie’s earlier discharge petition gathered the necessary signatures. President Donald Trump signed the measure, which required the DOJ to make unclassified Epstein-related records publicly available within 30 days. Massie says the DOJ still withholds “over three million files.”
Massie and Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) re-introduced the legislation in 2026 to give state attorneys general, victims, and members of Congress standing to sue the DOJ for “unlawful” redactions. Companion Senate legislation was introduced by Sens. Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Ben Ray Luján (D-NM).
Data & Statistics
- Files released under the 2025 law: nearly 3.5 million pages, more than 2,000 videos, and 180,000 images.
- Massie’s list: Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor (Prince Andrew), Jes Staley, Leon Black, Les Wexner, David Copperfield, Lapo Elkann, Tom Pritzker, Glenn Dubin, Frédéric Fekkai, Edoardo Teodorani-Fabbri, Ramsey Elkholy, Lesley Groff, Jean-Luc Brunel, and Daniel Siad.
- Deceased individuals: Jean-Luc Brunel (died 2022) and Daniel Siad (found dead near Paris in July 2026).
Official Statements & Responses
Massie argued the new bill makes it “crystal clear” that privileges cannot be used to withhold files. The DOJ said it has complied with the original law, releasing the volumes noted above, and that withheld material consists of duplicate records, privileged information, statutory exceptions, and items unrelated to the Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell cases.
Criticism & Opposition
Several named individuals have denied wrongdoing. Prince Andrew has repeatedly denied meeting Virginia Giuffre and contests the allegations. No named person has been charged in connection with the 2026 disclosures.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- File-count discrepancy: Massie cites “over three million files” still withheld, while the DOJ reports “nearly 3.5 million pages” released. The exact number of withheld items remains unclear.
- Legal status of accusations: Massie’s naming of individuals is an “attributed claim” by a member of Congress; it does not constitute a criminal finding. Appearance in released records does not establish participation in criminal conduct.
Verbatim Quotes
- “On the House floor tonight, I read the names of several Epstein coconspirators who should be investigated and prosecuted,” — Rep. Thomas Massie.
- “I never anticipated that the highest law enforcement officer in the land would not enforce the law once it became a law. That’s what this addresses. We try to dot the i’s and cross the t’s here,” — Rep. Massie.
- “This is somewhat unprecedented that Todd Blanche is stonewalling a state attorney general, so this unambiguously gives the attorneys general in the various states the ability to prosecute these crimes by giving them unfettered access to the files,” — Rep. Massie.
What’s Next
The discharge petition must reach 218 signatures to compel a House vote. Massie expects Democratic support and hopes to secure at least three Republican signatures before the upcoming midterm elections. If successful, the bill would move to the floor for debate and a vote, after which state attorneys general and victims could file lawsuits to obtain unredacted Epstein-related records.
