Episode Details
Back to Episodes
Thomas Massie Secures 218 Signatures for Epstein Files Transparency Act II (11/13/26)
Published 6 hours ago
Description
Republican Congressman Thomas Massie secured the 218 signatures necessary to force a House vote on the Epstein Files Transparency Act II on November 11, 2026, marking another significant confrontation with the Trump administration over its handling of Jeffrey Epstein-related records. The discharge petition, supported by every House Democrat and four Republicans, bypassed Republican leadership and advanced legislation designed to compel greater compliance with the original Epstein Files Transparency Act signed into law in November 2025. Massie accused the Department of Justice of continuing to withhold millions of Epstein-related records and maintaining excessive redactions despite its legal obligation to disclose the material. The proposed legislation would give Epstein survivors, members of Congress, state attorneys general, and local prosecutors additional legal avenues to challenge the DOJ's withholding of evidence, while allowing survivors confidential access to unredacted records concerning themselves. Massie worked alongside Democratic Representatives Ro Khanna, Pramila Jayapal, and Teresa Leger Fernández to advance the measure, which must clear additional procedural steps before receiving a House vote. The development represented another challenge to the administration's control over Epstein-related evidence and reflected growing congressional frustration with the department's handling of transparency requirements.
The legislation could have particularly significant consequences for New Mexico, where Attorney General Raúl Torrez has been attempting to investigate alleged sexual abuse and trafficking connected to Epstein's former Zorro Ranch near Santa Fe. New Mexico reopened its criminal investigation in February 2026 and subsequently sued the Justice Department and Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, accusing federal authorities of obstructing the investigation by refusing to provide crucial unredacted evidence. State officials maintain that federal prosecutors previously persuaded New Mexico investigators to suspend their inquiries in 2019 with assurances that relevant information would eventually be shared, promises they contend were never fulfilled. The proposed Epstein Files Transparency Act II could strengthen New Mexico's ability to obtain federal investigative materials, challenge DOJ refusals in court, and pursue potential criminal charges against individuals associated with Epstein's activities at the ranch where state law still permits prosecution. The legislation could also support the state's broader efforts to investigate Epstein's associates and complement the work of New Mexico's legislative truth commission, which has been examining allegations surrounding Zorro Ranch. Although passage would not automatically guarantee access to every document or produce criminal charges, it could substantially change New Mexico's legal position by providing new tools to overcome federal resistance and pursue investigative leads that have remained inaccessible for years.
to contact me:
bobbycapucci@protonmail.com
source:
Epstein report prompts calls for feds’ cooperation in New Mexico probes | Local News | santafenewmexican.com
Massie Gets 218 Signatures for Epstein Files Vote | Newsmax.com
The legislation could have particularly significant consequences for New Mexico, where Attorney General Raúl Torrez has been attempting to investigate alleged sexual abuse and trafficking connected to Epstein's former Zorro Ranch near Santa Fe. New Mexico reopened its criminal investigation in February 2026 and subsequently sued the Justice Department and Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, accusing federal authorities of obstructing the investigation by refusing to provide crucial unredacted evidence. State officials maintain that federal prosecutors previously persuaded New Mexico investigators to suspend their inquiries in 2019 with assurances that relevant information would eventually be shared, promises they contend were never fulfilled. The proposed Epstein Files Transparency Act II could strengthen New Mexico's ability to obtain federal investigative materials, challenge DOJ refusals in court, and pursue potential criminal charges against individuals associated with Epstein's activities at the ranch where state law still permits prosecution. The legislation could also support the state's broader efforts to investigate Epstein's associates and complement the work of New Mexico's legislative truth commission, which has been examining allegations surrounding Zorro Ranch. Although passage would not automatically guarantee access to every document or produce criminal charges, it could substantially change New Mexico's legal position by providing new tools to overcome federal resistance and pursue investigative leads that have remained inaccessible for years.
to contact me:
bobbycapucci@protonmail.com
source:
Epstein report prompts calls for feds’ cooperation in New Mexico probes | Local News | santafenewmexican.com
Massie Gets 218 Signatures for Epstein Files Vote | Newsmax.com