ISTANBUL

US Rep. Thomas Massie said Sunday he hopes to secure a veto-proof majority when the House votes on releasing Jeffrey Epstein files.

"I’m hoping to get a veto-proof majority on this legislation when it comes up for a vote," the Kentucky Republican told ABC. Congress can override a presidential veto if a two-thirds majority is satisfied in both chambers.

"I think we could have a deluge of Republicans. There could be 100 or more," the Kentucky Republican told ABC.

Massie urged Republican colleagues to consider their long-term political standing, noting Donald Trump will not be president in 2030 and cannot protect lawmakers who vote against releasing the files.

"You will have voted to protect pedophiles if you don't vote to release these files, and the president can't protect you then," he said.

The congressman raised concerns about Trump's request for the Justice Department to investigate connections to Epstein, warning such investigations in certain areas could serve as a "smokescreen" to prevent file release.

Trump suggested investigators should examine why Epstein spent time with figures including Bill Clinton and (former Harvard President) Larry Summers.

Democratic Rep.-elect Adelita Grijalva, who was sworn in on Wednesday, became the 218th member needed to advance the discharge petition, compelling the House to hold a vote on making all records related to the late financier and convicted sex offender Epstein publicly available.

Epstein died by suicide in federal custody in August 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.