WASHINGTON 

A US lawmaker who spearhead efforts to release the files on convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein questioned the expected timing of the files’ release on Friday — the same day the US House has canceled its session.

Rep. Ro Khanna said on Thursday that the release follows passage of the Epstein Transparency Act, legislation he co-sponsored alongside Rep. Thomas Massie, aimed at increasing public access to records connected to Epstein.

"Epstein files released Friday because of my &@RepThomasMassie Epstein Transparency Act, and House (of Representatives) cancels session that day," Khanna said on US social media company X.

"Coincidence?"

His remarks came after the House Republican leadership cancelled Friday votes, letting members skip town Thursday afternoon instead.

According to the act, Attorney General Pam Bondi must release to the public the Epstein files in possession of the Justice Department and FBI by Friday.

Democratic leaders, however, have been wary of the possibility that the files may still not see the light of day, given months-long resistance by the administration to release them before finally apparently relenting.

Some warn that last-minute legal maneuvering may block their release, such as 11th-hour criminal probes into figures named in the files being cited as preventing their disclosure, as is standard Justice Department procedure.

- Politically charged issue

Last week, the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform released an additional 20,000 pages of documents received from Epstein. This latest production contains over 95,000 photos, including images of President Donald Trump, former President Bill Clinton, Steve Bannon, Bill Gates, and Richard Branson.

Epstein was found dead in his New York City jail cell in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. He pleaded guilty in Florida federal court and was convicted of procuring a minor for prostitution in 2008, but critics call the relatively minor conviction a “sweetheart deal.”

His victims have alleged he operated a sprawling sex trafficking network that was used by members of the wealthy and political elite.

Epstein’s case has remained a politically charged issue in the US, with lawmakers and victims’ advocates from across the spectrum demanding greater transparency about his network of associates and any individuals who may have facilitated his crimes.

Trump has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing related to Epstein. Their past social and business ties, as well as Epstein’s extensive links to political, business, and academic figures in the US and abroad, have fueled calls for the broad release of official records.