Thomas Massie: Senate Delay on Epstein Files is Disrespectful to Survivors

Urgency of the Epstein Files Transparency Act

• 📌 Rep. Thomas Massie emphasizes the critical need for swift action on the Transparency Act, particularly concerning the Epstein files.
• 💡 He argues that any delay by the Senate in moving this bill forward is disrespectful to the survivors involved.
• 🚀 Massie believes the bill should be the top agenda item for the Senate, prioritizing it over the economy or international policy.

Releasing Files Without Senate Action

• ⚡ Massie suggests the President could release the files directly, bypassing the Senate if necessary, as the House took four months to address the issue.
• 🎯 He states that the President can release these files without the Senate acting, implying executive authority.

Addressing Concerns About Investigations

• ⚠️ Massie acknowledges the DOJ's ability to withhold information that could jeopardize active investigations but argues it's insufficient to cover all crimes.
• 🧩 He points out that a thousand survivors cannot be accommodated by a limited number of investigations, especially concerning alleged crimes like rape and sex trafficking.
• ⚖️ Once the bill becomes law, any DOJ or FBI official who fails to comply with the release of files will face legal repercussions.

The Force of Law

• 📜 The chosen path of legislation, requiring passage through the House, Senate, and presidential signature, will give the directive the force of law.
• ✅ This means senators will be breaking the law if they do not comply with releasing the files.