WASHINGTON, DC — U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI), Ranking Member of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, led his Senate Democratic colleagues in calling on Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) to immediately bring the Epstein Files Transparency Act to the Senate floor for a vote, without delay or unnecessary process distractions. Peters’ letter follows the U.S. House of Representatives’ overwhelming bipartisan approval of the measure by a vote of 427-1. For two decades, survivors of Jeffrey Epstein have sought justice and accountability for his alleged sexual crimes involving underage girls. The bipartisan legislation would require the Department of Justice (DOJ) to release all documents and records related to Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, ensuring transparency and providing the American people with access to critical information.
“The victims of Jeffrey Epstein – and the American people – deserve answers, accountability and the truth,” Peters and his colleagues wrote. “So far, they have only seen empty promises from President Trump and his Administration. Now that a majority of the U.S. House of Representatives has acted to provide transparency on this matter – we call on you to quickly hold a vote in the U.S. Senate to help deliver the accountability that was promised and that so many Americans are demanding.”
In July, Peters pushed the DOJ to turn over the Epstein files by citing their authority under 5 U.S.C §2954. This law requires executive agencies to submit requested information to the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee that falls within the Committee’s oversight jurisdiction of the federal government. That letter was followed up with another in August which once again demanded for DOJ to turn over the files. The Trump Administration refused to comply with both of these requests.
“Despite multiple Senate oversight requests and House subpoenas for release of the full and complete Epstein files, the DOJ and FBI have refused to produce any information to the Senate and have failed to provide the complete set of files to the House,” wrote the senators.
In a social media post over the weekend, President Donald J. Trump abruptly changed course and encouraged House Republicans to vote for the bill, despite having tried for months to prevent the complete release of the files. Given longstanding efforts by President Trump and his Administration to slow walk or discourage the release of these files, the Senate must take action to provide transparency and help restore the public’s trust.
“The U.S. Senate has the chance to show strong leadership and swiftly pass this legislation,” concluded the senators. “We urge you to promptly proceed to the consideration of H.R. 4405 on the Senate floor pursuant to Senate Rule XIV, so that the legislation can be immediately placed on the Senate Calendar.”
The full text of the letter is available here.