House Speaker Mike Johnson dismissed Thomas Massie's warning days ago, calling it "stupid." Then, on September 4, Johnson did exactly what the Kentucky Republican predicted: sent the House into early recess through the November midterms, effectively killing the Epstein Files Transparency Act II before it could reach the floor.

Massie and California Democrat Ro Khanna introduced the bipartisan bill last week to force the Department of Justice to comply with the original Epstein transparency law Trump signed in November 2025. That first law ordered federal agencies to release documents related to Jeffrey Epstein's finances, associates, and criminal network. But months later, DOJ has released little, citing ongoing state-level investigations.

The new bill targets that gap. It would compel DOJ to hand over documents relevant to state prosecutions and force state authorities to explain any refusals to act on Epstein-related evidence. Massie and Khanna launched a discharge petition Monday—a procedural maneuver that bypasses leadership and forces a floor vote if 218 members sign. By September 3, the petition had 106 signatures.

Johnson Calls Recess Amid Petition Push

Massie predicted on September 1 that Johnson would recess the House to dodge the vote. Johnson appeared on LindellTV that same day and rejected the claim. "That's stupid. We'll be working every day," he said. Three days later, Majority Whip Tom Emmer's office announced the House would not vote in the final two weeks of September, leaving just four session days before October's full recess.

The schedule eliminates the legislative window needed for a discharge petition to mature. Under House rules, a petition must sit for seven legislative days before a vote can occur. With only four days left before the long recess, Massie's effort cannot reach the floor this cycle.

"Tuesday I tweeted Mike Johnson would recess Congress until after the election in an attempt to stymie our latest Epstein bill," Massie wrote on X. "Johnson went on TV adamantly saying that was stupid and we'd work every day. Then Thursday he did exactly what I said he'd do. You were knowingly dishonest."

Why the Second Bill Matters

The original Epstein Files Transparency Act passed both chambers with bipartisan support and was signed by Trump on November 19, 2025. It directed federal agencies to declassify and release documents related to Epstein's network—flight logs, financial records, communications, and lists of associates. The law set a 180-day deadline for the releases.

But the Department of Justice has withheld much of the material, citing deference to state-level prosecutors who claim the documents could interfere with their investigations. Critics, including Massie and Khanna, argue DOJ is using state cases as a shield to avoid transparency.

The Epstein Files Transparency Act II would close that loophole. It requires DOJ to immediately release any documents state authorities do not affirmatively request to remain sealed. It also mandates state prosecutors to publicly justify decisions not to pursue charges based on evidence in the files. Survivors' rights advocates have supported the bill, saying it brings accountability and closure.

Conservative Frustration Builds

The standoff highlights growing tension between Trump-aligned conservatives and House leadership. Massie, a libertarian-leaning Republican who frequently breaks with GOP leadership, has become the face of transparency efforts Congress passed but the executive branch has slow-walked.

Johnson's decision to recess aligns with his pattern of avoiding divisive votes ahead of the midterms. But the move has angered right-wing lawmakers and media outlets, who see the Epstein files as a litmus test for accountability. Online commentators have dubbed the September recess the "Epstein Recess," accusing Johnson of protecting establishment figures whose names may appear in the documents.

Johnson has not publicly addressed the discharge petition or explained the schedule change beyond citing the need to give members time in their districts before the election. His office did not respond to requests for comment.

The House will reconvene after the November 5 midterms. By then, Massie and Khanna will need to restart the discharge process from scratch—if they still have the votes.