Should the Department of Justice release Jeffrey Epstein’s investigation records?
This bill requires the Department of Justice (DOJ) to release the Epstein Files, including documents on Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s flight logs and travel records, and the names of people (including government officials) connected to the case. Within 15 days of release, the DOJ must also report to Congress detailing what information was released or withheld, why, and naming all officials and high-profile individuals mentioned.
Sponsor: Rep. Ro Khanna (Democrat, California, District 17)
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How do you feel?
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Opponents say
• "My belief is we need the administration to have the space to do what it is doing, and if further congressional action is necessary or appropriate, then we'll look at that. But I don't think we're at that point right now because we agree with the president. He [Trump] has said that he wants all the credible files related to Epstein to be released. He's asked the attorney general to request the grand jury files of the court. All of that is in process right now." Source: Mike Johnson (Republican, Louisiana, District 4), Speaker of the House
• "The Department of Justice has done its job, they have given everything requested of them," he continued. "It’s time to end the Democrat Epstein Hoax, and give the Republicans credit for the great, even legendary, job that they are doing." Source: Donald Trump, President of the United States, in a post on TruthSocial
• "The Justice Department has already released tons of files related to this matter. I trust them in terms of having the confidence that they’ll get as much information out there as possible in a way that protects the rights of the victims." Source: Sen. John Thune (Republican, South Dakota)
Proponents say
• "Only 3% of the documents given to the Oversight Committee are new. The rest are already in the public domain. Less than 1% of files have been released. DOJ is stonewalling. The survivors deserve justice and the public deserves transparency. Congress must pass my bill with Rep. Thomas Massie, the Epstein Files Transparency Act, to force the full release of the Epstein files with redactions to protect the victims. On September 3rd, I’m holding a press conference with survivors of Epstein and Maxwell’s abuse. Some will be speaking for the first time. We’ll hear from them why releasing this information is so important." Source: Rep. Ro. Khanna (Democrat, California, District 17)
• "We all deserve to know what’s in the Epstein files, who’s implicated, and how deep this corruption goes. Americans were promised justice and transparency. We’re introducing a discharge petition to force a vote in the U.S. House of Representatives on releasing the complete files. If your Representative won’t sign the discharge petition, ask why." Source: Rep. Thomas Massie (Republican, Kentucky, District 4)
• "This isn’t about politics. It’s about transparency and justice. The American people have waited long enough. The DOJ can’t keep hiding behind excuses while shielding powerful individuals. If the government has nothing to hide, then it should have nothing to fear from the truth." Source: Rep. Brad Sherman (Democrat, California, District 32)
- Ro Khanna Slams DOJ For “Stonewalling,” Calls for the Full Release of the Epstein Files (Press Release)
- What Do We Know About the Epstein Files? (BBC)
- The Epstein Files Timeline Raises Real Questions for Trump (Politico)
- Full List of Republicans Signing Discharge Petition to Release Epstein Files (Newsweek)
- Rep. Ro Khanna’s Largest Donors (OpenSecrets)
