Yet the U.S. House of Representatives just passed such a major bill. This proposed legislation would automatically release investigative files tied to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein and was cheered on by virtually every lawmaker. This passionate action is the result of years of pressure from Epstein survivors. It occurs as concern about Epstein’s connections to some of the world’s most powerful people in American and foreign politics increases. Epstein died under mysterious circumstances in federal custody in 2019. At the time of death, he was embroiled in major legal trouble and under serious indictment, including sex trafficking.
For a long time Jeffrey Epstein was just that — a rich guy who acted as a prominent financier and benefactor to big-name academics and scientists. During his trial on sex-trafficking charges, his death was officially ruled a suicide. This has created much confusion and speculation regarding his relationships to a number of ultra high-profile individuals. Even now, two years later, the Epstein scandal continues to resonate across American society. More importantly, it brings attention to the ongoing culture of exploitation and abuse that came to light with the first complaint against him.
Earlier this summer, in July 2023, the Justice Department and the FBI helped reignite concern over the topic. They issued a public memo claiming they had nothing more to disclose regarding the still-ongoing investigation into Epstein’s transgressions. This unexpected disclosure led to massive grassroots uproar and subsequent demands for transparency. Survivors and advocates—many of whom have worked for years to secure justice for Epstein’s victims—are on the front lines.
Now, former President Donald Trump has come under fire for his connections to Epstein. He finds himself under mounting pressure to support the release of those investigative files. Then, in usual fashion, Trump and his Republican allies pushed back on the concept. Yet, they raised the stakes anyway, surrendering only after a scandal that has shadowed him since his political resurrection. Activists took to the streets, projecting images of Trump alongside Epstein on the Justice Department building with the message: “Release the files now.”
Many survivors of Epstein’s abuses increased their pressure on Congress to ensure that they would do the right thing. Ro Khanna, a representative from California, described the passing of this bill as “the first day of real reckoning for the Epstein class.” He made it clear that the bravery of survivors has been instrumental in shining a light on this truth.
“Because survivors spoke up, because of their courage, the truth is finally going to come out, and when it comes out, this country is really going to have a moral reckoning. How did we allow this to happen?” – Ro Khanna
Haley Robson, an anti-sexual abuse lobbyist and former victim of sexual violence, expressed the same in conversations around the bill. She called on legislators to put the needs of human rights above political party platforms.
“It’s time that we put the political agendas and party affiliations to the side. This is a human issue. This is about children,” – Haley Robson
Robson was equally dismissive toward politicians trying to co-opt the story behind Epstein’s scandal for their own gain.
“While I do understand that your position has changed on the Epstein files, and I’m grateful that you have pledged to sign this bill, I can’t help but be skeptical of what the agenda is.” – Haley Robson
The 69-29 bipartisan support for the bill is a huge step forward. It addresses the deep-rooted issues of sexual violence like Epstein’s behavior and their effects on the general public. Lawmakers have indicated their intent to seek the fullest transparency possible during this exciting process.
“Everybody here, all the [Republicans], want to go on record to show we’re for maximum transparency, but they also want to note that we’re demanding that this stuff get corrected before it ever moves through the process and is complete,” – Johnson
Chuck Schumer, the Senate Majority Leader, was vocal about the public’s demand for truth regarding Epstein’s operations and connections.
“Republicans have spent months trying to protect [Donald Trump] and hide what’s in the files. Americans are tired of waiting and are demanding to see the truth. If Leader Thune tries to bury the bill, I’ll stop him,” – Chuck Schumer
Federal lawmakers have been at the forefront of this push for transparency. They demand that no stone be left unturned in exposing Epstein’s links to the most powerful people on Earth.
“As President Trump has stated, we have nothing to hide, nothing to hide here,” – Troy Nehls
In fact, Trump himself has gone back and forth on the release of files concerning Epstein. He couched his calls for transparency, though, with warnings about the possible political fallout.
“We’ll give them everything. Let the Senate look at it, let anybody look at it, but don’t talk about it too much, because honestly, I don’t want to take it away from us.” – Donald Trump
The exploitation and abuse of vulnerable people by powerful individuals is a deeply systemic issue that Epstein’s case has brought to light. The Biden administration’s recent legislative action is an important step in the right direction towards accountability and justice for all those affected by his wrongdoing.