‘This is who you’re fighting for’: Epstein survivors push for justice for their younger selves

November 18, 2025

Survivors of Jeffrey Epstein gathered at the U.S. Capitol to witness a historic House vote on legislation requiring the release of approximately 100,000 pages of Justice Department files related to the deceased financier and convicted sex offender. The Epstein Files Transparency Act passed with overwhelming bipartisan support, 427-1, after Representatives Thomas Massie and Ro Khanna used a procedural maneuver to bypass House leadership opposition. The vote followed months of political tension, including a public dispute between President Trump and Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene over the issue, with Trump initially calling the matter a "hoax" before reversing his position.

Who is affected

Survivors of Jeffrey Epstein's abuse, including Haley Robson, Jena-Lisa Jones, Marina Lacerda, Danielle Bensky, and Lisa Phillips
Dozens of minor girls who were sexually exploited and abused by Epstein in Florida and New York
Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, who faced threats and public insults from President Trump
President Donald Trump and his base of supporters, who experienced internal discord
Powerful individuals with ties to Epstein whose names may appear in the files
Representatives Thomas Massie and Ro Khanna, who sponsored the legislation

What action is being taken

The House of Representatives voted 427-1 to pass the Epstein Files Transparency Act
The Justice Department is being compelled to release an estimated 100,000 pages of files related to Jeffrey Epstein
The House Oversight Committee is releasing tens of thousands of documents obtained from the Justice Department and Epstein's estate
Survivors are launching the first national survivor-led political movement in America

Why it matters

This legislation represents a crucial step toward accountability and transparency regarding a widespread sex trafficking operation that victimized dozens of minors and allegedly involved powerful figures across society. The release of these files could expose systemic failures that enabled Epstein's abuse to continue even after his 2008 conviction, potentially leading to a broader moral reckoning about how institutions protected a predator. The survivors' advocacy demonstrates the power of victim-led movements to force government action despite opposition from powerful interests, and the bipartisan support signals rare political unity on issues of child protection and justice.

What's next

The legislation goes to the U.S. Senate, where 17 Republicans will need to vote with Democrats to reach the 60-vote supermajority threshold required to pass it
If passed by the Senate, the bill would go to President Trump to sign
Survivors are focused on taking down the systems that enabled perpetrators like Epstein through their newly launched national survivor-led political movement

Read full article from source: The 19th