Thomas Massie introduces sequel bill to strengthen Epstein files disclosure

On July 15, 2026, Rep. Thomas Massie (R‑KY) announced the "Epstein Files Transparency Act II" (H.R. 9694) alongside co‑sponsors Rep. Ro Khanna (D‑CA) and Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández (D‑NM). The legislation seeks to give state attorneys general, victims and members of Congress standing to sue the U.S. Attorney General if the Department of Justice fails to comply with the original Epstein Files Transparency Act, which was signed into law on November 19, 2025. Massie said the bill would force the DOJ to cooperate with state AGs in prosecuting alleged co‑conspirators under state law and would remove the department’s special privilege to withhold or over‑redact documents. The DOJ has been accused of withholding roughly three million Epstein‑related files and heavily redacting the released material. After losing his GOP primary, Massie described the new bill as a “next‑level sequel” to address continued delays and to ensure full public disclosure. He discussed the proposal on the Breaking Points podcast exactly one year after the original act’s introduction.