Dear Mr Neece,
Thank you for contacting me regarding the release of the Epstein Files. I appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts with me on this important issue.
As you know, Jeffrey Epstein was a convicted sex offender who managed an extensive criminal network to traffic and sexually exploit hundreds of young girls. The Department of Justice (DOJ) possesses thousands of pages of investigative files, flight logs, and other materials related to Epstein's crimes and his associates. These documents – dubbed the Epstein Files – reportedly contain a client list that may implicate unnamed, high-profile associates in criminal activity.
During his 2024 presidential campaign, Donald Trump vowed to release these files if elected. He promised the American people complete transparency about Epstein's criminal enterprise and those who may have been complicit. Yet, since taking office, the Trump Administration has refused to honor these commitments and has tried to distract the public from the issue. In February, Attorney General Pamela Bondi announced that her office was reviewing the Epstein client list. She later contradicted these statements, stating that the DOJ found no incriminating client list and declaring that no further disclosure would be warranted. President Trump has supported the Attorney General’s decision and decried the push to release the files as a hoax. This reversal comes as several news outlets and Trump allies, including Elon Musk, have outlined Trump’s close personal relationship with Jeffrey Epstein and stated that he is named in the Epstein Files.
The American people deserve the truth about who enabled or participated in Epstein’s criminal network, and the Epstein Files must be released. Throughout this saga, Republican leaders in Congress have attempted to shield the President from scrutiny and dismiss this issue. Speaker Johnson relentlessly defends the Administration’s failure to act and refused to bring meaningful legislation up for a vote. That is why I signed the discharge petition led by Representatives Thomas Massie and Ro Khanna that ultimately forced a vote on H.R.4405, the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which required the release of the Epstein files. I was proud to join this bipartisan group of lawmakers who stood up for justice when the Speaker failed to act. You may be aware that Speaker Johnson refused to swear in Representative-elect Adelita Grijalva for seven weeks because she was the deciding signature on this petition.
Once Rep.-elect Grijalva was sworn in and signed the discharge petition, it became clear that the Epstein Files Transparency Act had enough support to pass the House. At that point, hundreds of previously silent House Republicans, including Speaker Johnson, indicated they would join my bipartisan colleagues and me in supporting the bill. I was proud to vote for this legislation, which ultimately passed the House with 427 votes. The Senate passed the bill unanimously.
While President Trump has since signed the Epstein Files Transparency Act into law, his Administration’s attempts to disrupt and prevent the release of the Epstein Files have continued unabated. On November 14—five days before the bill passed the House—President Trump directed the Attorney General to initiate a sham investigation into Epstein’s ties to some Democrats. This is noteworthy because the Epstein Files Transparency Act allows the DOJ to redact documents that would interfere in an active investigation or ongoing prosecution. The Attorney General cannot use this contrived investigation as an excuse to withhold the release of the files.
Every individual who participated in, enabled, or protected Epstein's criminal enterprise must be held accountable, regardless of their wealth, power, or political connections. Transparency is not a partisan issue; it is a fundamental element of justice. When survivors of Epstein's abuse courageously traveled to Capitol Hill demanding action, Congress had a moral obligation to listen. These victims have waited years for accountability, and they deserve better than political games and manufactured excuses. Please know that, while President Trump and Republican leadership want us to look away, I will continue fighting to ensure these files are released in their entirety and that the American people receive the truth they deserve.
I sincerely appreciate your taking the time to write to me about this important issue. Hearing from constituents is an important part of my decision-making process. If you would like more information on my work in the 15th Congressional District, you can visit my website, subscribe to my weekly newsletter, and follow me on Facebook, Instagram, BlueSky, Twitter, and YouTube. Through my website, you can send me opinions, request tours in DC, and get help on issues you might have with federal agencies. Please contact me in the future if I may be of assistance.
Sincerely,
Rep. Kevin Mullin
Member of Congress
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