Dear Mr Neece,
Thank you for contacting me regarding the Epstein Files. I want you to know that first and foremost, I came to Congress to fight for Eastern Washington – its values and its people. That means that if you voted for me, I work for you, and even if you didn’t vote for me, I still work for you. While we may not always agree, I work for everyone in Eastern Washington, so I appreciate you reaching out.
On November 18, 2025, I joined 426 other members of the House of Representatives in voting for the Epstein Files Transparency Act. The Senate passed the bill shortly afterward, and it was signed into law on November 19, 2025. This law directs the Department of Justice to release documents related to the Jeffrey Epstein investigation in a public, searchable, and downloadable format. That format is now the Department of Justice's Epstein Library, which is accessible to individuals 18 years of age or older. It is linked here.
As of late January and February 2026, the U.S. Department of Justice has released nearly 3.5 million pages in compliance with the Epstein Files Transparency Act. I support releasing as much information as possible while maintaining appropriate safeguards, especially for the victims of Epstein's crimes. While many hoped that every document would be released immediately, the review process remains ongoing to ensure victim protection and compliance with applicable laws.
I have long supported the full release of the Epstein Files because transparency is essential for justice and accountability. While the work the Department of Justice is doing is equally important, in 2025, the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform began investigating matters related to Jeffrey Epstein and released tens of thousands of documents obtained from his estate. The Committee has also held hearings with high-profile witnesses.
Through the Committee’s work, questions have been raised about individuals who had financial ties or associations with Jeffrey Epstein, including individuals like Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett and Larry Summers, a former Harvard University Professor. These relationships—particularly those that continued after Epstein’s criminal conviction—deserve careful scrutiny. The American people deserve clarity about how Epstein accumulated his wealth, the circumstances surrounding his 2006 plea agreement, and whether any individuals used positions of influence improperly. Any relationships, financial ties, or associations connected to Jeffrey Epstein—whether involving public officials, academics, or others—deserve thorough scrutiny.
I commend the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform for its ongoing work. I will continue to advocate for full transparency while ensuring that victims are protected throughout the process. As the Committee's investigation continues and the Department of Justice releases additional documents, I remain committed to accountability and transparency on behalf of the people of Eastern Washington. The American people deserve to know the truth.
Please stay in touch. I regularly send updates about my work in Congress, and I encourage you to subscribe if you’d like to stay informed. You can subscribe to these updates by clicking here. We can also keep in touch through social media. Feel free to follow me on X (linked here), Instagram (linked here), or Facebook (linked here).
Thank you again for reaching out. I look forward to continuing the conversation.
Sincerely,
Rep. Michael Baumgartner
Member of Congress
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