The successful push to force a vote on releasing the Jeffrey Epstein files has emboldened several Republicans to pursue their own legislative priorities—even if that means circumventing their party’s leadership.
House Speaker Mike Johnson may want to move past the political firestorm surrounding Epstein, but some GOP lawmakers now see the episode as proof that rank-and-file members can take control of the House floor without leadership approval.
Anna Paulina Luna Threatens Discharge Petition Over Stock-Trade Ban
Rep. Anna Paulina Luna has warned Republican leaders that unless they agree to advance a bipartisan bill banning members of Congress from trading stocks, she will trigger a discharge petition to force a vote.
In an interview with CNN, the Florida Republican said Tuesday’s overwhelming vote to release the Epstein documents should encourage other lawmakers to use the same procedural power.
“I think more members need to use it,” Luna said. “You’re here to represent your constituents, not to ask leadership for permission to legislate.”
What a Discharge Petition Does
The majority typically controls which bills reach the floor, but a discharge petition allows lawmakers—if 218 members sign on—to bypass leadership entirely. The tool is rarely used and even less frequently successful, especially by members of the majority party.
But with the narrow and often fractured Republican majority, more lawmakers appear willing to consider it.
Momentum Builds as GOP Members Defy Leadership
Rep. Don Bacon recently backed a discharge petition to restore collective bargaining rights for federal workers following President Donald Trump’s executive order that stripped them. The petition just reached the 218-signature threshold, securing its path to the floor. Bacon told CNN he is also preparing to support another petition to increase military aid to Ukraine.
Rep. Mike Lawler, who joined the workers’-rights petition as well, said the mechanism is “certainly being viewed as a tool members have in their toolbox,” though he emphasized it must be used selectively.
This year, lawmakers have already filed 10 discharge petitions. Last Congress saw 20 such petitions—more than double the number used in 2019–2020.
Speaker Johnson has criticized the maneuver, calling it a method typically used by minority parties. Despite opposing the process, he ultimately supported the Epstein measure once it reached the floor.
Luna’s New Battle: Ban Stock Trading in Congress
Luna is now pushing for action on the bipartisan stock-trading ban, which has 95 co-sponsors. She says House leaders want to draft their own version of the legislation and restrict member amendments—something she calls unacceptable.
“I don’t feel this process has been open or transparent,” Luna said.
She has given Speaker Johnson until Friday to address her concerns. While she described Johnson as “understanding,” Luna acknowledged the topic is deeply unpopular on Capitol Hill, even as she says it resonates strongly with the public.
Still, Luna says she is ready to act.
“The petition is already filed,” she said. “That means I can deploy it whenever I choose. That element of surprise keeps people on their toes.”
