Victims of the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein are preparing to break their silence and speak publicly for the first time, as bipartisan lawmakers push for the release of files tied to the federal investigation. The victims are set to address the public on Wednesday, with a scheduled meeting between Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna of California and Republican Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky, who are leading the push to force the Justice Department to disclose the documents. Khanna expressed confidence that the public will be outraged and that the House will eventually vote on the issue, arguing that it is a matter of justice and accountability for victims of powerful men.
The ongoing controversy over the Epstein case has been reignited with Congress back in Washington this week. The House Oversight Committee recently released thousands of documents, including an interview with Epstein’s former associate Ghislaine Maxwell and footage of his Florida home, though critics claim most of the material was already public. Despite this, Khanna and Massie are determined to push for a vote on the discharge petition, aiming to secure the required 218 votes in the House. However, the effort faces opposition, with some Republican members accusing the initiative of being a political maneuver.
The release of the documents was seen as an attempt to neutralize the bipartisan effort, but Massie and Khanna argue that the information provided is insufficient and that public outrage from the victims’ statements will force the issue. Khanna emphasized the need for transparency and accountability, stating that the American people deserve to know the full story of Epstein and those connected to his alleged sex trafficking operations. The debate over the Epstein case continues to divide political factions, as lawmakers grapple with balancing public interest and the broader implications of releasing potentially sensitive information.