Epstein-Transparency/methodology.html at main · markramm/Epstein-Transparency · GitHub

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    <title>Methodology & Sources - Epstein Files Discharge Petition Tracker</title>
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        <h1>Methodology & Sources</h1>

        <section>
            <h2>Data Verification Standards</h2>
            <div class="verification-rule">
                <strong>Our Commitment:</strong> We follow official House records for all signature counts and procedural information. We correct errors within 24 hours of discovery. We never speculate about non-public victim identities.
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        </section>

        <section>
            <h2>Primary Sources</h2>
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                    <strong>Official Records:</strong><br>
                    • <a href="https://clerk.house.gov/DischargePetition/2025090209" target="_blank">House Clerk - Discharge Petition No. 9 (119th Congress)</a><br>
                    • <a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/4405" target="_blank">H.R. 4405 - JFK-style disclosure framework</a><br>
                    • <a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-resolution/581" target="_blank">H.Res. 581 - Discharge rule vehicle</a>
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                <div class="source-item">
                    <strong>September 3, 2025 Press Conference Coverage:</strong><br>
                    • <a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/us/epstein-survivors-congress-disclosure-2025-09-03/" target="_blank">Reuters - "Epstein survivors urge Congress to force disclosure vote"</a><br>
                    • <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/sep/03/epstein-files-survivors-capitol" target="_blank">The Guardian - "Survivors demand transparency at Capitol press conference"</a><br>
                    • <a href="https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/epstein-files-discharge-petition-explained/story" target="_blank">ABC News - "What is a discharge petition and how it could force Epstein files release"</a>
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                    <strong>Discharge Petition Mechanics:</strong><br>
                    • <a href="https://www.house.gov/the-house-explained/legislative-process/discharge-petitions" target="_blank">House.gov - Official explanation of discharge petitions</a><br>
                    • <a href="https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/R/R43991" target="_blank">Congressional Research Service - Discharge Procedures in Detail (PDF)</a>
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        <section>
            <h2>Signature Count Methodology</h2>
            <p>We track signatures using multiple corroborating sources:</p>
            <ol>
                <li><strong>Primary:</strong> House Clerk's official discharge petition page (updated daily when House is in session)</li>
                <li><strong>Secondary:</strong> Representatives' official statements and press releases</li>
                <li><strong>Tertiary:</strong> Verified news reports from mainstream outlets</li>
            </ol>

            <div class="verification-rule">
                <strong>Important Note:</strong> Signature counts shown on this site are static snapshots and may lag behind real-time changes. The displayed count of "217/218" represents confirmed signatures as of our last update on November 12, 2025, 5:09 PM ET. Rep. Adelita Grijalva will be sworn in on November 13, 2025 and will become the 218th signature, triggering a mandatory House vote in early December.
            </div>
        </section>

        <section>
            <h2>What Changes If These Pass?</h2>
            <p><strong>Understanding the Process:</strong></p>
            <p>The discharge petition (H.Res. 581) is a procedural mechanism to force a floor vote. If successful, it would bring H.R. 4405 to the House floor for consideration. H.R. 4405 establishes:</p>
            <ul>
                <li>A presumption of disclosure for all government-held Epstein records</li>
                <li>Automatic redaction of minor victims' identities and re-identifying details</li>
                <li>An independent review board including a survivor advocate</li>
                <li>A public index documenting any withheld records and justifications</li>
                <li>Firm deadlines for release (similar to the JFK Records Act model)</li>
            </ul>
            <p>For detailed explanation of discharge procedures, see: <a href="https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/epstein-files-discharge-petition-explained/story" target="_blank">ABC News Explainer</a></p>
        </section>

        <section>
            <h2>Corrections Policy</h2>
            <p>To report an error or submit a correction, please:</p>
            <ul>
                <li>Open an issue on our <a href="https://github.com/markramm/Epstein-Transparency/issues" target="_blank">GitHub repository</a></li>
                <li>Include a source URL and timestamp</li>
                <li>We review all submissions within 24 hours</li>
            </ul>
        </section>

        <section>
            <h2>Privacy & Ethics</h2>
            <p>We follow strict ethical guidelines:</p>
            <ul>
                <li>Never publish non-public victim names</li>
                <li>Focus on process and accountability, not speculation</li>
                <li>Prioritize survivor voices and safety</li>
                <li>Cite only verified, mainstream sources</li>
            </ul>
            <p>Read our full <a href="privacy.html">Privacy & Safety Policy</a></p>
        </section>

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            <p style="color: #666; font-size: 0.9rem;">Last updated: November 12, 2025 | Contact: via <a href="https://github.com/markramm/Epstein-Transparency/issues">GitHub Issues</a></p>
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