Khanna, Massie say they can force another Epstein vote

Reps. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) and Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) announced Thursday they've secured commitments for the 218 signatures needed to force another vote the release of files related to sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

The big picture: Answers about the disgraced financier and his web of wealthy connections have continued to haunt the administration, with Attorney General Todd Blanche now facing the threat of contempt proceedings over the Epstein files.

• This is the bipartisan duo's second push in less than a year after they forced their first Epstein transparency bill through Congress, which the president signed after initially opposing the effort.

Driving the news: "Thomas Massie and I have defied history for a second time," Khanna said in a videoposted to social media late Thursday afternoon.

• His post read that the pair had secured commitments for 218 votes on their discharge petition, including from three Republicans: Reps. Ralph Norman (R-S.C), Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.).
• Two Democrats were sick, he added, but will sign the day the House returns. Massie also posted that he and his partner across the aisle would have enough names once lawmakers are back from a lengthy recess.

Friction point: House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) dumped fuel on the fire blazing between him and Massie by again sending the House home early this week, Axios' Kate Santaliz reports.

• The more than six-week recess will also delay Massie's effort to force a vote on impeaching Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
• Johnson's office did not immediately respond to Axios' request for comment.

What's inside: Massie and Khanna introduced the Epstein Files Transparency Act II in July to strengthen enforcement of last year's law.

• It would allow state attorneys general, local prosecutors and victims to sue the U.S. attorney general over alleged unlawful withholdings, redactions or failure to produce records.
• The bill would also require the attorney general provide certain unredacted documents to victims upon request.

Flashback: The House voted nearly unanimously on the first transparency act last year.

• The DOJ released millions of pages related to Epstein — though the information drop faced criticism for puzzling redactions and allegations of withheld files.

The bottom line: Massie and Khanna's victory could renew one of the most disruptive Hill fights of the president's second term — but not until after the critical midterm election.

• Khanna's post read, "We will not rest until the Epstein abusers are held accountable and there is justice."