A group of Democratic lawmakers in the U.S. House of Representatives is demanding a congressional hearing to give survivors abused by Jeffrey Epstein and his associate, Ghislaine Maxwell, a chance to speak. The lawmakers believe these victims’ stories are essential for a complete and truthful investigation, and they argue that official documents have not fully represented the survivors’ voices.
Democratic Lawmakers Push for Victim Testimonies in Epstein Investigation
Representative Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts, who serves on the House Oversight Committee, is leading the group. She has joined forces with other panel members, including Ranking Member Robert Garcia of California, Jasmine Crockett of Texas, Ro Khanna of California, Rashida Tlaib of Michigan, and several others. Together, they wrote to James Comer, a Republican from Kentucky who chairs the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee.
In the letter, the lawmakers wrote, “If we are to hold powerful people to account, our investigation must center the voices they tried to silence.” They emphasized the importance of listening directly to those who endured abuse rather than relying only on written reports and unreliable co-conspirators.
In a press release, Representative Pressley’s office added that merely opening the entire Epstein file will not provide a complete picture. Rather, they think that the public will gain a greater understanding of what transpired through the live accounts of survivors. According to the press release, “hearing testimony from Maxwell, an untrustworthy and unreliable co-conspirator, and ignoring those who suffered abuse will inflict more pain on survivors and mislead the public with incorrect information.”
Democratic Lawmakers Say Survivors’ Voices Are Essential for Truthful Oversight
The Democratic lawmakers emphasized that some survivors have already come forward and expressed their willingness to testify in front of Congress. They feel that the House Oversight Committee must recognize this courage and give these individuals a platform to speak.
The lawmakers argue that survivors should be allowed to speak on their own terms. “The Committee cannot meet their strength and bravery with inaction,” they wrote in the letter, adding that several survivors had made it plain that they wanted to appear before Congress.
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The group believes that listening to these firsthand accounts is essential to conducting a credible and fair oversight process. They pointed out that documents from the Department of Justice (DOJ) might not include everything the survivors know. They also believe that a hearing with survivors would help avoid spreading misinformation and would help heal the deep trauma left behind by Epstein’s actions.
The Democrats pushing for this hearing also stressed that this move is about justice and transparency. They believe that those who suffered deserve to be heard—not ignored. The lawmakers said that ignoring the voices of victims while giving attention to someone like Maxwell would be unfair and cause more harm.
Oversight Committee Actions So Far and Ongoing Debate
In relation to the Epstein issue, the House Oversight Committee has already taken a number of actions. James Comer, the chair, has issued several subpoenas. Ghislaine Maxwell received one requesting her attendance at a deposition. But after Maxwell petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court to reverse her sex trafficking conviction, Comer agreed to postpone the request until the court made a decision on her petition.
The committee also sent subpoenas to the Department of Justice and several prominent individuals, including former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and former President Bill Clinton. These actions are part of a broader effort to gather information related to Epstein and his connections.
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Lawmakers from both parties have also criticized how officials have handled Epstein’s case over the years. Members of both political parties, including supporters of former President Donald Trump, have expressed concern. The Trump administration, in particular, has faced backlash over how it managed and shared information about Epstein, especially after his death in 2019 while in custody.
Despite the political divisions in Congress, this call from Democratic lawmakers focuses on giving voice to the victims and bringing clarity to a dark chapter in recent American history. Lawmakers have not yet decided whether they will hold the hearing, but the Oversight Democrats’ push adds to the growing demand for full transparency and justice in the Epstein case.