What is the ‘discharge petition’ behind the Epstein files vote?published at 17:29 GMT 13 November
Bernd Debusmann Jr
Reporting from the White House
Much of the debate on Capitol Hill has centred on a “discharge petition” – a little-known procedural tactic that could, in theory, force the justice department to release the Epstein files.
Normally, new pieces of legislation are sent to a majority-controlled House committee. Bills opposed by the majority – in this case, the Republicans – do not move forward.
A discharge petition, however, removes a bill from the committee and forces a vote.
Here, the effort would force a vote on a bill requiring the justice department to release – within 30 days – any materials related to its investigation into Jeffrey Epstein and former associate Ghislaine Maxwell.
House Speaker Mike Johnson has strongly opposed the bill and repeatedly argued for a separate investigation.
Trump also warned Republicans against falling for the “Epstein Hoax”.
Now, Johnson says he will bring the vote to the floor if it has majority support.
Even if it passes in the House, it faces an uphill battle.
It would then go to the Senate, which does not have to take up the bill and would require 60 votes – meaning at least 13 Republicans would need to oppose Trump and vote in favour.
