“We can’t just rely on voluntary transcribed interviews with folks, especially people like Leon Black, who just walked out of one,” Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, D-Ill., declared on “CUOMO” — and with that, the congressional push to force open the Jeffrey Epstein files moved from rhetoric to a concrete plan. Democrats, now in control of both the House and Senate, are preparing to mandate the release of more than two million pages of sealed documents.
A Transparency Bill With Teeth for Victims and States
Krishnamoorthi’s remarks follow a pledge from Kentucky Republican Congressman Thomas Massie to force a vote on the Epstein File Transparency Act II when Congress resumes. The legislation, a follow-up to the initial transparency act, would empower victims to sue for access to files related to their cases and allow states to sue the Department of Justice for documents pertinent to state investigations. NewsNation reported the bill is co-sponsored by Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif.
The Epstein files have been a political flashpoint since President Donald Trump took office in January 2025. The case, spanning over two decades, has repeatedly placed the DOJ at the center of efforts to unseal court records identifying dozens of Epstein’s associates.
Subpoenas for Todd Blanche, and Hearings on Live Television
Congress is prepared to escalate. Krishnamoorthi said the chamber may begin issuing subpoenas to compel testimony and document releases. “And if they are not, then we have to absolutely require them to be released,” he stated, adding a direct call to action: “In any case, subpoena Todd Blanche and others who have been dragging their heels in this cover up with regard to the redaction of those files and non-disclosure of those files.”
Alongside subpoenas, the congressman wants a more public reckoning: televised hearings with the survivors of Epstein’s abuse, giving their stories a national platform. “These people have to be heard,” Krishnamoorthi emphasized. “They have yet to be heard. They have not received a single iota of justice. And it’s now their time to tell us their stories and the American people why it’s so important to really address this heinous sex trafficking ring.”
Two Million Pages, Still Sealed
The scale of what remains withheld is staggering. Krishnamoorthi put the number at over two million pages — a volume that paints a picture of an investigation far larger and more complex than what has been made public. Democrats are demanding the files be released immediately, framing the issue as a matter of fundamental justice for the victims and a right for the public to know.
The commitment was framed as a focus for Democrats if they were victorious in the midterms. One unnamed Democrat told Cuomo that accountability for the files would be a focus for the party if they were victorious. “That is going to be a focus for us,” the Democrat said. “The American people demand it, and it’s the right thing to do. So that is going to be on the agenda.” With the party now in control, the next step Massie has promised is a forced vote on the Epstein File Transparency Act II when Congress resumes.
