House GOP's Epstein files headache is back

The Epstein files fight that consumed the House last year is threatening to engulf Republicans all over again.

Why it matters: Rep.

Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) is now just one Republican away from having the support he needs to force another politically painful Epstein vote — and he and his allies are hunting for the final GOP signature.

Retiring Rep.

Ralph Norman (R-S.C.) signed Massie's new discharge petition Monday, joining Massie and Rep.

Nancy Mace (R-S.C.).

Massie and Mace told Axios they're actively targeting retiring Republicans and members in vulnerable districts for the fourth GOP signature that will get them the magic number to force a vote on the Epstein Files Transparency Act II.

Rep.

Lauren Boebert (R-Colo.), one of four Republicans who bucked President Trump and GOP leadership to sign Massie's first Epstein petition last year, told Axios she's considering signing again and has been having conversations with Massie.

The big picture: The push is reviving one of the most disruptive fights of Trump's second term for House Republicans.

Last year's Epstein discharge petition became a months-long headache for Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) and the White House before ultimately securing 218 signatures and forcing the issue onto the House floor.

The bill passed with almost unanimous support in the House.

The Epstein Files Transparency Act II would enforce and expand the release of remaining files at DOJ.

"The Department of Justice continues to unlawfully withhold over 3 million Epstein files that should be released to the public.