Mike Johnson Reportedly Pursuing Rule Change After Bipartisan Blowback Over Epstein Files Vote
Washington, D.C. — New reporting indicates that House Speaker Mike Johnson is considering a significant procedural rule change after facing public and internal backlash over his handling of the vote to release the Jeffrey Epstein files.
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According to The Daily Beast, Johnson has been privately discussing adjustments to the House’s discharge petition rules after a rare bipartisan coalition forced his hand on the Epstein Transparency Act. The bill passed the House with an overwhelming 427–1 vote after members from both parties signed a discharge petition to bypass leadership and bring the measure to the floor.
The effort, led by Reps. Thomas Massie (R-KY) and Ro Khanna (D-CA), effectively sidelined Johnson’s control over the schedule and put pressure on House leadership to act on the legislation.
The report states that Johnson and his allies were frustrated that the discharge petition — one of the few ways rank-and-file members can override leadership — succeeded so quickly and garnered broad bipartisan support.
The proposed rule change under discussion has not been formally introduced, but sources say leadership is exploring ways to tighten the discharge petition process or adjust how petitions move to the floor.
If pursued, the move would likely draw scrutiny from both parties. Discharge petitions are historically difficult to execute, and altering the rules could limit one of the only tools available to members seeking to force action on stalled legislation.
The Epstein Transparency Act, which Johnson initially resisted scheduling, is now expected to become law after also passing the Senate with unanimous consent. The bill requires federal agencies to release long-sealed documents connected to Jeffrey Epstein and his associates, with certain redactions for privacy and safety.
Johnson’s office has not publicly commented on whether any rule changes are being drafted or considered.