Representative Thomas Massie, Republican of Kentucky, introduced a discharge petition last week to bring the bill calling for the release of the Epstein files to a vote on the House floor.
Republicans said the maneuver to change the Senate’s rules, the latest step that would weaken the filibuster, was necessary to overcome Democratic obstruction of President Trump’s nominees.
If successful, Republicans’ maneuver will effectively whittle down the ability of the minority to register any opposition to executive branch nominees below the cabinet level.
The Oversight Committee released files turned over by Jeffrey Epstein’s estate, including a copy of a sexually suggestive note apparently signed by President Trump.