Ro Khanna on Epstein Files Bill: "We Have the Votes!"

Epstein Files Release Bill

• 💡 Congressman Ro Khanna discusses his bill, co-sponsored with Thomas Massie, to compel the full release of the Epstein files and all related evidence.
• ✅ The bill is designed to protect victims and explicitly excludes child pornography, ensuring sensitive information is handled appropriately.
• 🎯 With the backing of all Democrats and seven Republican co-sponsors, including prominent MAGA figures, the bill has enough support to force a vote in the House.

Legislative Strategy and Republican Support

• 🚀 Khanna explains that while the bill requires a 7-day waiting period before a discharge petition can be filed, a vote cannot be forced until September.
• 📌 A vote in the Rules Committee is scheduled for today, which will highlight any attempts to block the bill and put Republicans on record regarding the release of the files.
• 📈 Previous efforts to attach similar legislation to Republican bills have failed, but this new strategy aims to expose the "hollowness" of Republican campaign promises to hold the powerful accountable.

Bipartisan Cooperation and Political Strategy

• 🤝 Khanna emphasizes that Democrats can effectively fight Trump by legislatively partnering with some MAGA voters on issues where they align, demonstrating a more strategic approach than simply trading insults.
• 🧠 He believes this legislative process, by partnering with MAGA voters, can expose Donald Trump as not being a true populist and position themselves as the authentic populist party.
• 🗣️ The partnership with Thomas Massie is based on principle, not on any feud with Trump, highlighting Massie's willingness to work across the aisle on issues of accountability.

Delay Tactics and Public Trust

• ⏳ The tactic of delay is being used by those who want to give Trump time to manage the fallout or hope the media interest will wane before a vote in September.
• ⚠️ Khanna stresses the importance of Democrats remaining relentless and strategic in keeping the Epstein files issue in the spotlight, as it is crucial for maintaining trust in government.
• 📊 A recent YouGov poll indicates that only 4% of Americans do not want the full release of the Epstein files, underscoring public interest in the issue.

Addressing Misinformation

• 💬 Khanna addresses a misleading tweet by influencer Tim P, clarifying that the amendment does not compel the government to publish child pornography and explicitly protects victims' identities.
• 💡 After a direct conversation with Tim P, the amendment was made more explicit, leading to P's support for the effort.
• 🌱 This approach of patient conversation and persuasion with MAGA voters is seen as a path to winning them over and rebuilding trust with the American people.