House Vote on Epstein Files Next Week; Trump “Panicked”

UPDATE: The House Oversight Committee is set to vote next week on a pivotal bill demanding the release of all Justice Department files related to Jeffrey Epstein. This development has incited a strong reaction from former President Donald Trump, who is reportedly “completely panicked” about the impending vote.

In a statement made Saturday on MSNBC, Rep. Robert Garcia (D-CA), the ranking member of the House Oversight Committee, emphasized the urgency of the situation. “He is desperate. He knows the American public is all now lining up to fight to ensure that the release of the files actually happens,” Garcia said, alluding to Trump’s frantic attempts to block the legislation.

The House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) was compelled to schedule this crucial vote after a discharge petition gathered enough signatures to proceed. Reports indicate that Trump has pressured several Republican lawmakers to withdraw their support for the petition, but these efforts have proven unsuccessful. Furthermore, Trump convened an emergency meeting in the Situation Room to strategize against the vote, signaling the high stakes involved.

Garcia predicts that the vote will pass “with substantial numbers,” underscoring the significant public interest in obtaining the DOJ files, which are currently under subpoena. “What’s in the DOJ dwarfs what we’ve already seen through Epstein’s estate. We have to get access to the full Epstein files,” he stated, emphasizing the need for justice for the victims, many of whom were children at the time of their abuse.

As the countdown to the vote continues, Rep. Melania Stansbury (D-NM), also on the House Oversight Committee, warned that the fallout from Epstein’s case could lead to a scandal for the Trump administration “as explosive as Watergate.”

Garcia echoed this sentiment, asserting that Trump is engaged in a cover-up. “This is a White House cover-up, and that Donald Trump is absolutely hiding something,” he stated, highlighting the emotional weight of the situation for survivors seeking justice.

With the vote just days away, the political atmosphere is charged. The Oversight Committee’s investigation is keenly focused on ensuring accountability and transparency regarding Epstein’s extensive network. As the details unfold, all eyes will be on the House next week, where a significant decision regarding the release of sensitive files is expected to take place.

Stay tuned for live updates as this story develops. The implications of this vote could resonate far beyond the House chambers, impacting the narratives surrounding the Trump administration and the justice for Epstein’s victims.