‘They deserve this transparency’: Rep. Ayanna Pressley calls for hearing with Epstein survivors

August 7, 2025

Representative Ayanna Pressley, along with 15 Democratic colleagues, has called for a congressional hearing where Jeffrey Epstein's trafficking survivors can testify, emphasizing the importance of centering survivor voices in the pursuit of justice. In a letter to House Oversight Chairman James Comer, Pressley argued that amid national conversations about Epstein and related Department of Justice files, Congress should hear directly from those affected. Pressley, herself a survivor of sexual abuse, highlighted the recent contradiction between Republican rhetoric about protecting women and children and the Trump administration's actions, including cuts to anti-trafficking programs.

Who is affected

Survivors of trafficking and sexual abuse by Jeffrey Epstein, Ghislaine Maxwell, and their associates
Trafficking victims more broadly, affected by cuts to anti-trafficking programs
The Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons (TIP), which has experienced a "reduction-in-force"
Federal agencies involved in anti-trafficking work, including the Departments of Justice, Health and Human Services, and Labor
Community-based organizations supporting survivors that rely on federal funding

What action is being taken

Representative Pressley and 15 Democratic colleagues are calling for a congressional hearing to hear testimony from Epstein survivors
Pressley is publicly advocating for survivor voices to be centered in the pursuit of justice
The Trump administration is implementing a "reduction-in-force" within the Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons
The administration is rolling back gains made by the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) and cutting federal support for survivor programs
Republicans in Congress are continuing to resist Democrats' requests related to the Epstein investigation

Why it matters

It provides an opportunity for survivors to share their experiences and seek justice
Congressional hearings could bring transparency and accountability to the Epstein case
The hearing would elevate survivor testimony as a critical component of understanding the impact of trafficking
It highlights the contradiction between political rhetoric about protecting women and children and actual policy actions
It draws attention to the ongoing dismantling of programs designed to combat trafficking and support survivors

What's next

If Chairman Comer denies the request for a hearing, Pressley plans to continue highlighting this issue
Pressley has committed to "remind people why it didn't happen" if the hearing request is denied
Pressley intends to frame the denial as Republicans "shielding predators" while Democrats support survivors
No explicit next steps stated in the article regarding the potential investigation or release of additional Epstein files

Read full article from source: The 19th