Thursday, November 13, 2025 -The push in the United States House of Representatives to release classified and unclassified files related to Jeffrey Epstein has reached a critical milestone: the discharge petition has secured the 218 signatures required to force a floor vote.
Adelita Grijalva, a newly sworn-in member, provided the decisive signature, completing a bipartisan effort led by Ro Khanna (D‑Calif.) and Thomas Massie (R‑Ky.).
What happens next: First, a mandatory seven legislative days must pass after the petition reaches 218 before a motion can be brought to the floor. After that, the House Speaker has up to two legislative days to schedule the vote.
Once a motion occurs, the measure would proceed through debate and amendment, culminating in a full House vote. If passed, the bill would be sent to the Senate and require the President’s signature to become law — both of which are far from guaranteed.
Despite the procedural victory, major obstacles remain. The White House has opposed the measure, and several Republicans who initially signed could withdraw support before the motion is brought.
Moreover, even a successful House vote does not ensure passage in the Senate or presidential approval. Still, reaching 218 signals significant momentum and puts lawmakers on record — making this moment a rare convergence of transparency, politics, and accountability.
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