Rick Thomas

Lewisburg

The U.S. House of Representatives is just one signature away from a vote to release the Epstein files. So far, 217 members have signed the petition that would force Speaker Mike Johnson to bring the bill to the floor. Only 218 are required.

Let’s remember what is at stake. The Department of Justice has admitted that it holds more than 10,000 illegal images and videos of child sexual abuse linked to the Epstein investigation and that hundreds of victims have been identified. Some of the world’s most powerful men may be implicated. Yet the DOJ still refuses to release the files.

The press has focused on Adelita Grijalva, who won a special election in Arizona and has pledged to sign the petition. But Speaker Johnson has blocked her swearing-in to delay a vote. Fortunately, Grijalva isn’t really necessary. Any current member who hasn’t signed the petition can provide the final, 218th signature. Every member who refuses is effectively blocking it and thwarting justice.

This shouldn’t be a partisan issue. In the past, members of both parties have called for transparency and justice.

Our Congressman, GT Thompson, has done little this Congress except collect his $174,000 paycheck. By signing the petition to bring the Epstein bill to a vote, he could finally take a stand for what is right. He could be a hero by simply signing his name. Will GT Thompson continue to hide — or find the courage to act?

One way or another, with or without GT Thompson’s cooperation, the files will be released, and the public will learn what names are mentioned. Let the chips fall where they may.