Congressman Sherman Signs Discharge Petition to Force a Vote on Releasing Epstein Files
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Brad Sherman (CA-32) signed the Epstein Files Transparency Act Discharge Petition, taking a bold step to force a vote in the House of Representatives to expose the full truth behind Jeffrey Epstein’s criminal network and the individuals involved.
The Trump Administration has repeatedly refused to release unclassified documents related to Epstein’s crimes — including names of co-conspirators, flight logs, DOJ communications, and information surrounding Epstein’s suspicious death.
Congressman Sherman, a co-sponsor of the Epstein Files Transparency Act, is now using a rare procedural tool to bypass Speaker Mike Johnson to bring the bill directly to the House floor. When a majority of Members of the House of Representatives sign this petition, the House must begin debating the bill within several days, regardless of what Speaker Johnson and pro-Trump Republicans want.
“This isn’t about politics. It’s about transparency and justice,” said Congressman Sherman. “The American people have waited long enough. The DOJ can’t keep hiding behind excuses while shielding powerful individuals. If the government has nothing to hide, then it should have nothing to fear from the truth.”
The bipartisan Epstein Files Transparency Act — introduced by Reps. Thomas Massie (R-KY) and Ro Khanna (D-CA) — requires the Department of Justice to publicly release all unclassified materials related to Epstein’s crimes in a fully searchable and downloadable format. The bill makes clear: embarrassment or political fallout is no excuse for secrecy.
The legislation mandates the release of:
- Names of all individuals involved in Epstein’s sex trafficking ring
- Details on immunity deals and cover-ups
- Flight logs
- Internal DOJ communications
- All records surrounding Epstein’s death
Exemptions exist to protect victims’ identities and ensure ongoing investigations aren’t compromised—but the bill forbids withholding documents simply to avoid “reputational harm.”
“No one is above the law. And no one should be protected from accountability just because they’re rich or politically connected,” Sherman said. “This discharge petition is about ending the cover-up. Let’s shine a light.”
Congressman Sherman is urging colleagues from both parties to stand with the American people and demand transparency.
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