We're 2 Republicans Away from Forcing Epstein Files Release
The Fastest Discharge Petition in History Needs Your Help
September 4, 2025
Something extraordinary is happening in Congress right now.
In just 48 hours, 215 members of Congress have signed a discharge petition to force release of all Epstein-related government files. So now we need just 3 more signatures—realistically 2 Republicans—to bypass leadership and force a vote.
This is the fastest-moving discharge petition I've seen. And it could succeed TODAY if enough people act.
When survivors testified to Congress on September 3rd, only a handful had signed Thomas Massie's discharge petition. Within 48 hours:
211 out of 212 Democrats signed (99.5% unity)
4 Republicans defied their leadership to sign
215 total signatures secured
We need 218. We're 3 away. This is actually achievable.
A Boiling Point in American History
At yesterday's survivor press conference, Marjorie Taylor Greene said something remarkable:
"This is not about politics. This is a boiling point in American history."
When MTG—one of the most partisan figures in Congress—says something transcends politics, every Republican should listen. She stood with survivors. She signed despite party pressure. She's calling this a historic moment that demands courage over party loyalty.
The Heroes and the Hypocrite
The Courage Coalition:
Nancy Mace (R-SC): A rape survivor who left the survivor meeting in tears—but still signed
Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA): Called it "a boiling point in American history"—beyond politics
Lauren Boebert (R-CO): Risked her political career to do the right thing
Thomas Massie (R-KY): Filed the petition, leading the bipartisan effort
The Inexcusable Hypocrite:
Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ): He literally CO-SPONSORED H.R. 185, the Epstein transparency bill. But he won't sign the discharge petition to bring his own bill to a vote. This is indefensible.
What Survivors Are Actually Asking For
This isn't a free-for-all. The framework includes:
Presumption of release with narrow exceptions
Independent review board including survivor advocates
Automatic redaction of ALL minor victims' names
Adult survivors can choose to be named (opt-in only)
Public log of any withheld documents
It's the JFK Records Act model with victim privacy protections. Reasonable. Necessary. Overdue.
Why This Matters Now
Marina Lacerda, a key survivor, spoke publicly for the first time despite death threats: "This is not a hoax."
One survivor told her story for the very first time in that Congressional meeting. The testimony was so powerful that Nancy Mace—a tough politician—couldn't stop crying.
These survivors have shown more courage than 90% of Congress. They deserve transparency with dignity.
The Path to 218
We need 2 more Republicans (assuming Eric Swalwell, the last Democrat, signs soon).
Top Targets:
Jeff Van Drew (NJ-02): Co-sponsored the bill! Call: 202-225-6572
Jen Kiggans (VA-02): Chairs Oversight subcommittee. Call: 202-225-4215
Young Kim (CA-40): Anti-trafficking caucus leader. Call: 202-225-4111
What You Can Do Right Now
1. Call Van Drew's Office "Representative Van Drew co-sponsored H.R. 185. Nancy Mace left the survivor meeting in tears but still signed. Why won't he sign the discharge petition for his own bill?"
2. Share This Widely We need massive attention on this TODAY. The momentum won't last forever.
3. Track Progress I built a tracker showing exactly who has/hasn't signed and who to pressure: https://markramm.github.io/Epstein-Transparency/
The Historical Context
Discharge petitions almost never succeed. Out of hundreds attempted, only a handful have ever forced a vote. But this one is different:
Unprecedented speed: 215 signatures in 48 hours
Near-total Democratic unity: 99.5% signed
Bipartisan support: Even MTG and Boebert signed
Clear moral case: Survivors testified despite threats
Specific hypocrisy: Van Drew co-sponsored but won't sign
The Bottom Line
We are 2 Republicans away from forcing transparency on one of the biggest scandals in modern history. Not 84. Not 50. Two.
Jeff Van Drew could be a hero by signing the petition for the bill he co-sponsored. Jen Kiggans could show that oversight means something. Any two Republicans could give survivors the justice they're begging for.
But they won't move without pressure. Massive, immediate, sustained pressure.
This could happen today. Or it could die in silence.
The choice is ours.
Track the petition and find who to call: https://markramm.github.io/Epstein-Transparency/
If you think this matters, share it. We have a window of maybe 24-48 hours before momentum stalls.
P.S. When Nancy Mace can leave a meeting crying and still find the courage to act, what excuse does anyone else have?