How did the Epstein Files Transparency Act happen?

Today we talk about the myriad procedures involved in getting the Epstein Files Transparency Act passed in record time. How do discharge petitions work? What did HR 581 do exactly? How did it get through the Senate so quickly? And while we're at it,  why did it take a record seven weeks to swear in a new representative?

Here is the discharge petition signed by 218 members of Congress.

Here is the full text of HR 581, passed by the House on 11/17.

And finally, here is HR 4405, related to HR 185, which was brought to the floor by HR 581.

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