Jeffrey Epstein’s shadow looms large. On Wednesday, September 3, Reps. Ro Khanna (D-CA) and Thomas Massie (R-KY) will stand with 10 Epstein victims on the Capitol steps, demanding the release of all files tied to the convicted sex offender. This press conference aims to jolt Congress into action.
Khanna and Massie are spearheading a bipartisan effort to force transparency on Epstein’s case, with a petition launching September 2 to push for a congressional vote. Congress skipped town without voting on their bill, leaving victims and the public in the dark. The delay reeks of bureaucratic foot-dragging.
Khanna, appearing on NBC’s “Meet the Press” Sunday, touted the petition’s momentum, claiming all 212 House Democrats are ready to sign. He’s confident the bill will pass once Congress reconvenes, but confidence alone doesn’t open locked files. The progressive agenda often cloaks itself in transparency while stalling real accountability.
The September 3 event will feature 10 Epstein victims, many speaking publicly for the first time. Their presence on the Capitol steps is a powerful rebuke to a system that’s shielded Epstein’s secrets for too long. This isn’t just a presser—it’s a moral stand.
“What will be explosive is the September 3 press conference,” Khanna said, promising victims will share their stories and demand closure. Explosive? Maybe, but only if Congress stops dodging the vote.
The petition, going live September 2, is the linchpin of this push. Khanna claims every Democrat in Congress is on board, which sounds like a slam dunk. But party loyalty doesn’t guarantee results when political games are at play.
Massie has secured commitments from 12 Republicans, though only six signatures are needed for the petition. Bipartisanship is rare these days, so credit where it’s due—this duo is bridging the gap. Still, 12 out of 221 House Republicans isn’t exactly a tidal wave of support.
“I’m very confident it will [pass],” Khanna told NBC’s Kristen Welker, citing his talks with Massie. Confidence is cheap; votes are what matter. If Congress fumbles this, it’s another black mark on its credibility.
The bipartisan bill, still unvoted, calls for releasing all Epstein-related files. Congress’s early exit without addressing it suggests some would rather let this issue fester than face the truth. Transparency shouldn’t be a partisan football.
The Capitol steps press conference is set to be a defining moment. Victims standing shoulder-to-shoulder with lawmakers will put faces to the pain Epstein caused. It’s a bold move that progressive talking heads might try to spin as performative.
Khanna’s claim that the event will be “explosive” hinges on the victims’ stories breaking through the media noise. Their courage deserves better than being drowned out by partisan bickering. The public needs to hear them, not just the pundits.
“They will be saying clearly to the American public that they want the release of the Epstein files for full closure,” Khanna emphasized. Closure is a powerful word, but it’s meaningless without action. Congress must deliver, or it’s just more empty promises.
Congress’s failure to vote before leaving town is a sore point. Victims deserve answers, not excuses about scheduling conflicts. The longer these files stay sealed, the more it fuels distrust in the system.
Massie’s 12 Republican backers show some GOP willingness to tackle this, but the party’s broader hesitation is telling. Are they afraid of what the files might reveal? The MAGA base demands truth, not cover-ups.
Khanna and Massie’s partnership is a rare bright spot in a divided Congress. But petitions and press conferences don’t unseal documents—votes do. If this effort fizzles, it’s another win for the swamp’s secrecy machine.
