Reps. Thomas Massie (R-KY) and Ro Khanna (D-CA) are spearheading a bipartisan push to compel the House to release government records related to convicted sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein.
The lawmakers plan a press event Wednesday with ten victims, many of whom have not publicly spoken since Epstein’s first arrest in 2005.
Khanna told Fox News that the victims’ accounts will likely draw public outrage.
“People are going to be shocked. These victims haven’t been heard for decades, and their pleas for closure were ignored when Epstein received a lenient plea deal,” he said.
Massie criticized House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) for obstructing the effort.
“I pray @SpeakerJohnson will listen to the pleas of these victims for justice and quit trying to block a vote on our legislation to release the Epstein files,” he wrote on X.
The Epstein Files Transparency Act would require the House to vote on releasing the Justice Department’s (DOJ) full records concerning Epstein.
Khanna expressed confidence the measure has enough backing, citing support from 212 Democrats and 12 Republicans, including Reps. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) and Lauren Boebert (R-CO).
He stressed that the bill is focused on justice for victims, not politics.
Khanna also highlighted the broader issue of accountability for powerful figures tied to Epstein.
“There are wealthy individuals, politicians, and business leaders who abused minors and have not faced consequences. That’s what the public will hear on Sept. 3, and people will be outraged,” he said.
Criticism of the White House’s handling of the Epstein files has been intense.
After the DOJ and FBI reported finding no evidence of an Epstein client list, many called for increased transparency and even action against Attorney General Pam Bondi.
President Trump’s characterization of the investigation as a “Democratic hoax” heightened tensions among partisan supporters.
Epstein died by suicide in a New York federal prison in 2019 while awaiting federal sex trafficking charges, though many skeptics have questioned the official cause of death.
The press event and the proposed legislation aim to shed light on lingering questions about possible accomplices and the full scope of Epstein’s operations, according to the Washington Examiner.
The upcoming press conference will give the victims a rare opportunity to share their experiences publicly. Several survivors have remained silent for nearly two decades, citing fear and trauma.
Lawmakers hope that by providing a platform for these voices, the public and policymakers will better understand the impact of Epstein’s crimes and the importance of transparency in government records.
Khanna anticipates the House will approve the discharge petition needed to advance the bill.
“Americans want transparency and accountability. I’m confident we’ll reach the 218 votes necessary,” he said, emphasizing that the focus remains on victims’ justice, not political gain.
Lawmakers also hope the effort will encourage reforms to prevent future cases from being shrouded in secrecy.
The bipartisan effort underscores a rare moment of cooperation in Congress, bridging party lines for a cause with widespread public support.
Advocates argue that releasing the full records could provide critical insight into how Epstein was able to evade accountability for so long and whether other influential individuals were involved.
