Epstein Victims To Speak At Capitol In Bipartisan Press Conference

A bipartisan effort led by Representatives Ro Khanna, a Democrat from California, and Thomas Massie, a Republican from Kentucky, is pressing for the public release of files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. On September 3, a highly anticipated press conference will feature testimonies from 10 Epstein victims, many of whom have never spoken publicly before, aiming to generate public sympathy and increase pressure on Congress to act. The lawmakers are pursuing a discharge petition to force a vote requiring the Department of Justice to release the Epstein files, needing 218 signatures; they have secured all 212 Democrats and at least 12 Republicans, with only six more Republican signatures needed. This push has caused a division within the Republican Party, with some GOP leaders confused by Massie's motivation and others, including some MAGA supporters, critical of attempts to close the case. The House Oversight Committee is also investigating potential mishandling of the federal investigation into Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, who was convicted and sentenced to 20 years in prison. Epstein died by suicide in a New York prison in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges, and the upcoming release of files is seen as crucial for providing closure to the victims and the public.